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The process your accident case will
take can sometimes be confusing if you don't know what to
expect. While no two cases are the same, most follow a basic
pattern. Scroll down the page to glance at the process of
a typical accident case.
1. INITIAL MEETING
2. MEDICAL TREATMENT BEGINS
3. FACT FINDING
4. TREATMENT ENDS
5. MAKE A DEMAND
6. SETTLEMENT
The
process for Bankruptcy is of course very different from what
happens after an accident:
You
meet with an attorney to discuss your current situation and your options. This
is a free, no-obligation meeting. We answer your questions and give you the "pros
and cons" of filing and not filing bankruptcy, discuss the different types
of bankruptcies available and suggest what might be appropriate for your particular
situation. Obviously, the final decision will be yours. You leave this meeting
with a written fee and costs estimate so you know what to expect.
If
you elect to file bankruptcy you will then gather the necessary information we
will need to prepare the petitions and schedules required by the bankruptcy court.
To simplify this for you, we provide you with a comprehensive list of what you
need, as well as a detailed worksheet to make things easier for you. It is at
this time you formally retain us, paying all or part of the fee and costs, depending
upon the type of filing that we have agreed upon. Again, all of this is set forth
in writing, before the meeting takes place.
Our
next meeting takes place when you have located the necessary information and completed
the worksheet as fully as possible.
At
that point we prepare the many documents the bankruptcy court requires and have
you return to the firm to review, approve and sign the final documents. The documents
will be filed with the court. Your listed creditors will be formally notified
of the filing of the petition. In the event any of those creditors continue to
contact you, you may refer them to our office. Typically, there may be some debts
that you will want to reaffirm or agree to continue to pay, and that will be discussed
and agreed to ahead of time.
After
we file and your creditors have been notified by the court, there is a period
of time for them to respond or object to their debt being discharged. If they
do object, we will represent you in addressing those issues as well.
Finally,
a meeting is scheduled and held at the bankruptcy court. We represent you at this
meeting to protect your interests. Your creditors are also invited. The Bankruptcy
Trustee hears all parties. At that point, after a specified waiting period, your
debts are typically discharged (that is, your debts are no longer enforceable
against you, giving you the financial clean start you have been waiting for).
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