Consumer Bankruptcy Information Center

Understanding Chapter 7

• What can go wrong in a 7
• Dealing with changes in income or family circumstances in a 7
• What happens after you file your Ch. 7 case?
• immediate action
• preparing for your 341 hearing
• questions you will be asked at your 341 hearing
• reaffirmations
• pre-discharge counseling
• 6 months post discharge window
• unlisted creditors

Understanding Chapter 13

• How is my Chapter 13 plan payment calculated?
• What can go wrong in a 13
• Solutions to Ch. 13 issues
• Dealing with changes in income or family circumstances in a 13
• What happens after you file your Chapter 13 case?
• immediate action
• preparing for your 341 hearing
• questions you will be asked at your 341 hearing
• objections to confirmation and what to do about them
• confirmation requirements
• amendments to your plan and petition
• your responsibilities post confirmation

Making the Decision to File

What makes more sense for you - Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?

What Oct. 2005 changes to the BK law mean to you

Will my interest rates change?

Will any of my debts survive bankruptcy?

What if I change my mind - can I cancel my filing

Bankruptcy terminology

Glossary of important terms

What is “means testing” and how does it apply to me?

Notices issued by the Court and by Creditors

• Who gets notified about my bankruptcy (Will my bankruptcy be available to the general public?)
• Will my employer be notified about my bankruptcy filing

Will my ex-spouse be notified about my bankruptcy filing

Special types of debt

• Bankruptcy and child support or alimony
• Child support
• Alimony and property division
• Bankruptcy and Student loans
• Bankruptcy and past due taxes
• Stopping evictions with bankruptcy
• Co-signed debt
• Debt arising from fraud or illegal activity
• Debtor owed to relatives

Protecting my stuff

Will I lose any of my stuff?

8 Most Common pre-bankruptcy mistakes and how we solve these problems

• credit card binge debts
• recent repayment to relatives
• I sold furniture or electronics that was subject to a secured lien
• I filed a BK on my own and because I did not know what to do, the case was dismissed
• credit card balance transfers
• recent use of credit cards

Creditor misconduct in my bankruptcy case-what can I do?