When my clients come see me, the first thing they ask is what is the timeline if I file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida. Below is a rough timeline for individuals who file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy using my firms services.
1. Schedule an appointment with my office. This can be done by calling 954.309.5559 or 305.741.5553. We offer FREE consultations and can meet you in several offices located throughout South Florida. Our appointment availabilities range from M-F between 8am-7pm, and weekend appointments on a case by case basis.
2. Prepare documentation and all the questions you may have prior to your initial consultation. Documentation should include paystubs, tax returns, bank statements, asset information, vehicle information, and or copies of debts. Write down your current monthly expenses (rent, food, insurance, gas, medicine, cell phones, etc.). Write down any questions you want to ask during the free consultation.
3. Come in for your free consultation and sit down with me to review your needs. If we determine that you are a good candidate for Chapter 7 bankruptcy then we will begin by reviewing your monthly expenses and inputting them into your bankruptcy schedules. We will also run your credit report and answer all questions you may have.
4. After leaving the office you will need to review your credit report and your monthly expenses and let me know if there are any changes that need to be made. If not, wait until I call you to come in and review your bankruptcy petition.
5. Take the Pre-Filing bankruptcy Course found at www.startfresh.com (use attorney code OS6220).
6. Come back into my office to review your bankruptcy petition, make any necessary changes, pay for the legal services, and FILE YOUR CASE. We will file your case right on the spot, give you your case number, as well as the date for the meeting of the creditors.
7. Once you are a debtor all harassing phone calls will cease and now you will wait for your meeting of the creditors. If you receive any creditor phone calls, pick up the phone and give them your case number.
8. Provide my office with any additional documents that are required for the meeting of the creditors.
9. A day or so before the meeting of the creditors I will either ask you to come into the office or schedule a phone conversation with you. During this consultation I will prepare you for the meeting of the creditors.
10. Attend the first meeting of the creditors and be prepared to spend three to five minutes answering questions regarding your bankruptcy petition, assets, and debts. Make sure to bring a VALID DRIVERS LICENSE as well as a SOCIAL SECURITY card to the meeting of the creditors or your case will get rescheduled. Complete your meeting of the creditors and walk away.
11. Wait, you must now wait for an additional 60 days, hoping that no creditor will file any action in your case (not likely).
12. Once the 60 day period is over you should be receiving a telephone call from me telling you that you got your bankruptcy discharge and that you should expect it in the mail within a few days.
13. Your bankruptcy case should automatically close about two weeks after you get your discharge.
14. Live happily ever after.
If you are thinking of filing for bankruptcy in South Florida and would like to be represented by a local bankruptcy attorney then please contact Ofer Shmucher at Shmucher Law, PL by calling 305.741.5553 or 954.309.5559. We offer free consultations in any of our office locations including Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Plantation Florida.