If you are facing mounting medical bills, struggling under large amounts of debt, or trying to keep your finances afloat after a long period of unemployment, it may be very tempting to consider filing bankruptcy yourself. But is that a good idea?
Trying to navigate the bankruptcy process on your own can quickly become a waste of time and money. Instead of alleviating the stress you’re already dealing with, it can intensify it, as it’s easy to make costly mistakes. Having an experienced Jackson CA attorney in your corner ensures that your filing goes as smoothly and quickly as possible.
At the Law Office of Diane Anderson, we understand that dealing with debt can be emotionally exhausting. We strive to work with clients in a compassionate and professional way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
What Are Some Mistakes You Could Make When Filing Bankruptcy Yourself?
Bankruptcy filings can be complicated, and there are plenty of pitfalls you could fall into when you don’t have professional legal help:
Filing When You Don’t Need To
Many people who try to file themselves plow ahead with the mistaken belief that bankruptcy is a solution to all of their financial problems, and without confirming whether bankruptcy is the debt solution that best suits their circumstances. Some debts are not no dischargeable in bankruptcy. Moreover, filing a Chapter 7 could put some of your assets at considerable risk if they are not exempt and end up resulting in unnecessary delays.
Filing the Wrong Chapter
You may also run the risk of choosing the wrong chapter to file. An experienced attorney can walk you through the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, as well as offer advice about which option is most suitable to your individual needs. For example, let’s say you try to file for Chapter 7 on your own, only to realize later that your income makes you ineligible for that chapter. All you’ve done is wasted valuable time and money.
Failing to Complete Credit Counseling or Debtor Education
Aside from helping you in court, a Jackson CA bankruptcy attorney can help you stay on top of any credit counseling and financial education requirements. These types of classes are mandatory for debtors, and proof must be submitted to the court or it could dismiss your bankruptcy case altogether. Many who try to file on their own are not aware of these requirements or have a difficult time trying to submit verification to the court in a timely manner.
Being Unaware of Court Proceedings
If you’re filing bankruptcy on your own, all the responsibility is on you to make sure legal paperwork is properly filled out and submitted, since each bankruptcy court has its own set of rules. Being unaware of certain rules and making even tiny mistakes with your paperwork could easily delay your case or result in a dismissal.
Skipping a Creditors’ Meeting
A bankruptcy attorney can inform you of what to expect during a creditors’ meeting and remind you about the time, date, and location of this important event. Forgetting to attend or know knowing how to answer questions about your financial situation could be hugely detrimental to your case.
Hiring A Bankruptcy Attorney Is In Your Best Interests
Bankruptcy has many benefits — it can stop the foreclosure of a home, halt repossession of your car, unfreeze bank accounts, and put an end to harassing messages and phone calls from debt collectors. But navigating the bankruptcy process requires careful planning and execution. We can examine your case and devise a strategy that will best help you regain control of your financial situation.
Speak With An Experienced Jackson CA Bankruptcy Attorney Today
At the Law Office of Diane Anderson, we can help you get back on track financially so that you can move forward with your life after debt. We know how to make the filing process as smooth as possible, as well as how to effectively advocate on your behalf in court too. Speak with us today to learn more about how a Jackson CA bankruptcy attorney can help.