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).