Filing Chapter 7? Here's a list of "Dos" and "Don'ts"

👍 If you intend to keep your home or car, do continue making each payment on time continuing with the next payment that is due.

👎 Do not fall behind on payments you are supposed to make directly, such as car payments, mortgages, or child support.  If you fall behind, the creditor may file a motion for relief from the automatic stay, and it could also jeopardize you getting your discharge. 

👍 Do contact our office if you have any questions about your case at any point.

👎 Do not contact the Trustee’s office or the Clerk of Court with questions about your case, as they cannot give you legal advice.

👍 Do file your tax returns on time each year. 

👎 Do not file tax returns with the improper filing status.  For example, if you are married and not separated, it would be improper to file a tax return as “Single” or “Head of household.”

👍 Do contact our office if you have questions about purchasing, selling, or otherwise disposing of property.

👎 Do not incur debt, purchase new property, sell property, or give away property without first contacting our office.  Court approval may be required. 

👍 Do fully disclose all assets and debts to our office and on your bankruptcy documents. 

👎 Do not leave off any property or debts.  Be sure you have disclosed everything.  The  bankruptcy code requires you list all property and all debts, and failure to do so could result in criminal and civil penalties or jail time. 

👍 Do disclose all income.

👎 Do not leave out any income.  It is very important that you have disclosed all sources of income on your  bankruptcy schedules.

👍 Do keep your insurance current for vehicles, homes, etc. 

👎 Do not continue paying secured debts for property that you are “surrendering” (i.e. giving back to the creditor). 

👍 Do continue paying typical household bills for services you intend to keep, such as light bills, cable bills, cell phone bills, etc.

👍 Do report to our office if you become entitled to an inheritance or life insurance proceeds in the six months after your case is filed.  

👍 Do keep us updated with any changes to your address, phone number, or other contact information. 

👍 If you receive communications from creditors after your case is filed, do tell them you have filed, give them your case number, tell them to contact our office, and report the contact to our office. 

👍 Do immediately alert our office if you discover a personal injury or workers compensation claim that you may have against someone else. 

👍 Do allow Kimberly to assist you with questions or concerns that may arise during your case. There are times when I am unavailable (in court, meeting with another client, etc.), and Kimberly is able to expedite handling concerns you may have. She will be more than happy to schedule a telephone conference for you to talk with me if needed.