Over the years Dantzman & Dantzman has spoken with hundreds of prospective bankruptcy clients. For a variety of reasons, such as feelings of guilt or embarrassment, pride or just plain neglect, it appears that a lot of people wait too long before coming in to get started. Clients often wait until the very last minute before consulting with a bankruptcy lawyer for help. In many instances, if clients would’ve contacted us sooner, we could have prevented them from cashing in their retirement funds, selling off assets or waiting until their car or home was repossessed or foreclosed, in many cases the client’s wages are already being garnished. All of these things could’ve been prevented if they would have come in sooner. That is why Dantzman & Dantzman offers a free consultation, so clients can come in, meet face-to-face with an attorney, get their questions answered, and quickly make an informed decision. So the bottom line is don’t wait. Take a proactive approach to deal with your financial issues now.
Preparing to Consult With a bankruptcy lawyer
We understand that visiting with a bankruptcy attorney likely doesn’t rank highest on your list of things to do. However, if you are struggling financially it only makes sense to determine how and if bankruptcy can help you get out of debt and start fresh. The best way to accomplish this is by preparing to consult with a bankruptcy lawyer by getting your financial information together.
Let us suppose that you are going to take a trip. Typically you make substantial preparations in anticipation of that trip. You make travel arrangements; you make sure you have a place to stay; you make reservations for any activities you wish to participate in. Consulting with a bankruptcy lawyer is no different. Bankruptcy is a significant event that demands some thought and preparation before you embark on it.
I cannot speak for other bankruptcy attorneys in New York, but here at Dantzman & Dantzman we are determined to help people deal with financial difficulties by determining the best course of action under the law. We do this by carefully analyzing your financial situation. During this process, it is important to have as much information available about your financial status.
Below are some free tips for preparing to consult with a bankruptcy attorney at Dantzman & Dantzman.
#1 The Costs Associated with Filing for Bankruptcy
First and foremost are the financial requirements that will have to be met in order to file for bankruptcy in New York. You will need to have the fees for the lawyer, the filing fees for the bankruptcy court, and the fees associated with completing the mandated credit counseling and debtor education courses.
Attorney Fees
Bankruptcy attorney fees vary and here at Dantzman & Dantzman we are proud to announce that we are one of very few Hudson Valley bankruptcy lawyers that offer a payment plan for our attorney fees. As such you will typically not need all of the money upfront to get your case started.
Bankruptcy Court Filing Fees
The cost for filing for bankruptcy varies depending upon the relief that you seek and qualify for. At the present the bankruptcy court filing fees are as follows:
- Chapter 7 $306
- Chapter 9 $1,213
- Chapter 11 $1,213
- Chapter 12 $246
- Chapter 13 $281
- Chapter 15 $1,213
- Chapter 128 (Non-bankruptcy state proceeding) $35
Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Course Fees
If you plan to file for bankruptcy protection, you must get credit counseling from a qualified non-profit agency that is a government-approved organization. The credit counseling course (pre-filing) must be completed within 180 days before you file.
You also have to complete a debtor education course (post-filing) before your debts can be discharged by the bankruptcy court.
The costs associated with these mandated courses can vary anywhere from $25 each, to as high as $45 each. However, ConsumerBankruptcyCounseling.info, a Project of the Tides Center in San Francisco, CA offers qualified courses for just $5 each.
As you can see, if you fail to financially plan for your bankruptcy you may not have the necessary time and/or money to retain a bankruptcy lawyer when collectors come to repossess your car or foreclose on your home.
#2 Income and Expense Information
It is important to carefully go over your income and expenses to see where the trouble lies. Certainly, a bankruptcy lawyer can help you identify the problem with the right information, but you also need to know how you got into the financial mess you find yourself in. Some problems like overspending and unplanned medical bills are easy to identify, and bankruptcy can assist in overcoming past financial problems. The most important step is becoming aware of the problem so you avoid it in the future. Bankruptcy is designed to be a “fresh start.” You can greatly assist in obtaining that “fresh start” by breaking or modifying some of the habits that got you in trouble in the first place.
#3 Creditor Information and Debt Amount
The best thing you can do to prepare to consult with a bankruptcy lawyer is to make sure you know who you owe and exactly how much you owe.
If lawsuits or foreclosures have been filed against you, make sure you have all of the legal paperwork. Find out if there is any collateral associated with the debts and gather up loan documents. Although your bankruptcy lawyer will need this information, it is more important that you know your own financial picture.
Our office pulls specially designed Credit reports for our clients from a trusted source to gather creditor and other financial information. Also gathering and organizing your financial information; paystubs, bank statements, tax returns, appraisals etc. can help speed up the process.
#4 Do Some Research
There is a lot of information about bankruptcy that is freely available on the internet an in library. However, it is important to exercise extreme caution in considering this information. Not because the information is inaccurate, but because it takes an experienced, professional bankruptcy attorney to discern what is appropriate for your specific case and what is not. Further, some information may be outdated or simply inapplicable to your case.
Nevertheless, by familiarizing yourself with some of the basics of bankruptcy you will be in a good position to appreciate and assist your lawyer in establishing realistic and achievable goals.
After all, the real goal of bankruptcy is achieving a “fresh financial start.”
#5 It’s important to hire a Bankruptcy Law Firm that is physically close to the Federal Courthouse
Our law firm is very close to the Bankruptcy Court. Bankruptcy is a federal matter; the state of Wisconsin is essentially divided into 2 halves (Eastern and Western Districts). This is where the bankruptcy clerk’s office and all four bankruptcy judges are located. Our office is only 2 blocks away.
Contact Dantzman & Dantzman
If you live in the Hudson Valley area, or in any surrounding areas, and you’re experiencing financial problems, contact Dantzman & Dantzman to learn how we can help you achieve a fresh financial start. Get your free consult with a bankruptcy lawyer who is experienced and close to the courthouse.