How Do I Get Started?
If you are not sure of how to proceed with your specific situation or you are unsure if bankruptcy is the right solution for you, please consult an attorney.
When you are ready to proceed as a self-represented individual, call 661 233-6803 to schedule an appointment and be prepared to spend at least one hour with me.
Depending on your circumstances you may be asked to bring copies of recent paycheck stubs.
In the event you are receiving unemployment or disability, Social Security benefits,
TANF (Aid To Families With Dependent Children), or any other public benefit, be prepared
to provide documentation to validate that benefit.
A listing of your estimated monthly out of pocket living expenses, name, age and gender of dependents, make, model and year of your vehicles is helpful.
If you have ever had a previous bankruptcy filing, please provide the following: case number, date of filing, date of discharge or dismissal, name of judge and location of the court where the case was filed.
Credit reports insure that all creditors, account numbers and creditor mailing addresses are correct.
Dunning (collection) letters provide information which may not yet be reported to credit reporting agencies. If you need to get a credit report, I can provide an application for you to get one at no charge from each of the three major credit reporting agencies.
The bankruptcy courts require most petitioners to complete pre-filing credit counseling
and pre-discharge financial management training. In most cases this service can be completed online or by telephone. Fees vary by agency.
I can provide the telephone number and/or e-mail address of approved counseling agencies to insure that you comply with this requirement.
To help you with legal decisions affecting your case I offer the services of an attorney advice service who, for a one-time fee, will provide telephonic counseling and legal advice as needed until your case is discharged.
The attorney advice service does not represent you or prepare any bankruptcy documents.
The attorney advice service will talk with you and provide a Bankruptcy Consultation Report to help guide you through the process.
It is suggested that you share that information with me before completing your petition paperwork.
When your petition papers are ready for signing, an appointment will be scheduled for that purpose. You will review each document for accuracy. An original and two copies will be provided for filing at the bankruptcy court.
You will be representing yourself and are solely responsible for managing your case.
If you are unable to personally file the petition documents, I can provide the name and telephone number of process servers who can handle this task. Individual process servers set their own fees.
***IMPORTANT NOTICE***
The information provided on this or any other page of this web site is not to be construed as offering or providing legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice.
Information regarding attorney advice service is provided by the servicing agency.