If you had to declare bankruptcy, what would be the first thing you would do?
The first thing you should do if you're considering declaring bankruptcy is to gather all of your documents. These documents should include your social security card and government-issued ID. Next, find a credit counseling agency and arrange a meeting. Also, avoid making automatic deductions.
Bring your government-issued ID and social security card to the meeting
To attend a bankruptcy trustee meeting, you must bring a government-issued ID and social security card. Without these, the meeting cannot proceed. You will also need copies of your bankruptcy forms and recent bank statements. After the meeting, the trustee will close the bankruptcy case and send a letter to the court stating that your debts have been discharged.
Avoid automatic deductions
One of the best ways to avoid automatic deductions when declaring bankruptcy is to stop all of your automatic bills and payments. These can take time to stop, but they should be stopped once you receive your bankruptcy notice from the court. After that, creditors are prohibited from most collection efforts. In some cases, this can take up to a week.
During this time, you should also try to stop any automatic deductions that you may have previously authorized. This may take some time, so make sure to address any situation where a creditor has authorization for automatic deductions and has already charged your card. If you are having trouble stopping automatic deductions, contact your attorney for help.
If you have a bank account, it is likely that you signed up for a credit card or a loan through the bank. Make sure the loan is from a financial institution that does not have the funds to repay you.
Find a credit counseling agency
While filing for bankruptcy is a major step, it is not the only time you will need credit counseling services. The Federal Department of Justice offers a list of reputable agencies to assist you. Make sure you do your research before signing up with any agency, however. It is essential that the agency you choose provides you with good customer service and does not pressure you into a program.
Some credit counseling agencies operate on a for-profit basis, while others operate on a nonprofit basis. Non-profit credit counseling agencies are typically cheaper and offer free services to debtors. In addition, they are often less likely to pressure you into purchasing a debt management plan and may provide more information about bankruptcy and debt management.
The goal of credit counseling is to give you a clear picture of your financial situation. It entails evaluating your income and expenses and discussing alternatives. It also helps you create a personal budget. It is important to consider all of your options before filing for bankruptcy. In addition to credit counseling, an agency may also develop a repayment plan that you can follow. While you are not required to agree with this plan, if you find yourself in a dire financial situation, you must make sure to include a payment plan in your bankruptcy petition.
If you have any questions, you can get a free consultation with the Best Attorneys in Utah.
Ascent Law LLC:
8833 South Redwood RoadSuite C
West Jordan, UT 84088
(801) 676-5506
