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Call Today 602-246-7106|DDrain@DianeDrain.com
Diane L. Drain – Phoenix Arizona Bankruptcy Attorney Logo Diane L. Drain – Phoenix Arizona Bankruptcy Attorney Logo Diane L. Drain – Phoenix Arizona Bankruptcy Attorney Logo
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Free ConsultationSite Producer2020-08-22T15:03:52-07:00
1 Contact Information
2 Watch Videos
3 Review Exemptions
4 Step 1 of 3 (General Information)
5 Step 2 of 3 (General Questions)
6 Step 3 of 3 (Financial & Budget)
  • First Contact

    Hello, I would like to provide you with FREE information, first you need to do the following:

    Step 1 :
    You must learn what creditors can do and what your rights are, including a little about the about the bankruptcy process.

    Step 2 :
    I will also need to learn about your unique situation.

    To get started, please provide your full legal name, phone number and email. We will not share your information with anyone. This is simply a way for us to get in contact with and understand your current situation.

SAVE AND CONTINUE
  • YOU AND I WILL HAVE A FREE PHONE CONSULTATION ONCE YOU HAVE FINISHED THIS PROCESS.

    Let’s get started, review the 9 bankruptcy educational videos below. When you are finished, click next.

SAVE AND CONTINUE
  • Arizona Exemptions

    Steps 1.

    Download and or print the Arizona Exemptions PDF

    DOWNLOAD ARIZONA EXEMPTIONS

    IMPORTANT: Please have a copy ready for use in our discussion by downloading and printing the list or having it displayed on your screen.

    If you have not lived in Arizona for two years, Federal exemptions may apply in bankruptcy. Diane will explain more during your consultation.

    Steps 2.

    Before reviewing the list, now is a good time to save your progress. Click on the “SAVE and CONTINUE” link below. This will save your progress and allow you to begin the next step.

SAVE AND CONTINUE
  • General Information Step 1 of 3

    We realize you are extremely nervous about your financial situation. Most likely you jump every time the phone rings and lose sleep because you are terrified about your financial future. Let us help you get your life back on track. Our commitment is to provide excellent assistance for very reasonable fees.

    Estimated time to complete the entire form is 30 to 40 minutes. Most of these questions can be answered without the need of your financial documents, but some will require a little more detailed information. Step three deals with income so is a little more complicated, but very important. Filling out this information and talking with me is not a commitment to filing a bankruptcy, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship. I am not your attorney until you sign a retainer agreement.

  • Include LLC or Inc. along with State where the business was incorporated or established: For instance: Generic Business, an Arizona LLC.
  • Individual

  • Business Address

  • Specify "None" if applicable.
  • If not, it is important that someone who is authorized be part of our discussion.
  • (such as credit cards, vehicle or equipment loans, leases, etc.)
  • Please fill out the questionnaire for individual bankruptcy and submit at the same time you submit this form. Call us if you need information how to do this.
  • Approximate month and year you moved here.
  • Because you have been in Arizona less than 2 years.
  • Information about your Spouse

  • Individuals

  • First NameLast NameAgeRelation to youLiving with you? (Y or N) 
  • We are always flattered when a prior client, friend or fellow attorney refers a potential client. Please let us know their name so we can thank them. Instead, if you did a search on the Internet please let us know how you found us. Thank you for this information.
  • Bankruptcy is not always the answer so it is important that I understand what you want or need to accomplish. That will help me provide counsel as to whether filing bankruptcy will accomplish your goals.
  • Include the bankruptcy case number if possible.
  • (Example: maiden name, last name from previous marriage, legal name change, etc.)
    First NameLast NameDate Used 

  • Thank you! You are doing great so far.

    Please proceed to Step 2 of our General Questions so that we may get a better understanding of how we can help.

    WARNING: TO AVOID LOSING YOUR INFORMATION

    DO NOT TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTER OR LEAVE THIS SITE UNTIL THE FORM IS SUBMITTED (YOU WILL RECEIVE AN E-MAIL CONFIRMATION WHEN IT IS SUBMITTED).

    PLEASE NOTE - WE DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO ANY INFORMATION UNTIL THE FORM IS SUBMITTED.

SAVE AND CONTINUE
  • General Questions

    Step 2 of 3

    Your answers to these general questions will help me to understand your unique situation, including what you have done or has been done to you. Many people make decisions that do not lead to problems outside bankruptcy, but in a bankruptcy those same innocent decisions can be disastrous. Based on your answers I will customize my advice with the goal of helping you avoid problems, if possible. I realize this is a lot of information, but accurate information will be your best friend. A friend of mine says “garbage in, garbage out”. He is correct because if I get the wrong information from you I will most likely give you the wrong legal advice.

    SOME REQUIREMENTS OF THE BANKRUPTCY LAWS ARE “JUST MEAN AND SCARY FOR NO OBVIOUS BENEFIT” TO QUOTE A PROMINENT BANKRUPTCY JUDGE

    Effective October 17, 2005, the Bankruptcy Code was amended in such a way as to try to interfere with the relationship between attorneys and clients. Clients are now described as “assisted persons” and attorneys are referred to a “debt relief agency.” To quote a prominent Bankruptcy Judge [the new legislation provisions] “require debt relief agencies to give notices and warnings that are not relevant in many of the circumstances in which they must be given, that will be false in some required contexts and that are just mean and scary for no obvious benefit.” This legislation (sponsored at great expense by the lobbyists and executives of the consumer credit industry) shall not stop me from rendering the proper advice and information to which you are entitled to. Particularly, I question the assertion that filing a bankruptcy is “routine.” I advise you to question me about any provision of these forms that contradicts anything that I may have said to you.

  • General Questions

    Step 2 of 3

    Your answers to these general questions will help me to understand your unique situation, including what you have done or has been done to you. Many people make decisions that do not lead to problems outside bankruptcy, but in a bankruptcy those same innocent decisions can be disastrous. Based on your answers I will customize my advice with the goal of helping you avoid problems, if possible. I realize this is a lot of information, but accurate information will be your best friend. A friend of mine says “garbage in, garbage out”. He is correct because if I get the wrong information from you I will most likely give you the wrong legal advice.

  • It is important to note that these videos are instrumental in helping you understand how bankruptcy works. Therefore, if you did not watched all 9 videos, please do so before sending this form to our office.
  • THE FOLLOWING ARE GENERAL QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR CURRENT SITUATION. IF YOU ARE MARRIED PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTIONS THAT ARE APPLICABLE TO EITHER YOU AND/OR YOUR SPOUSE

  • The first, a credit counseling course, must be completed before filing, The second, a financial management course, must be completed after filing the bankruptcy.
  • NOTE: If the social media setting is set to "public" then anyone, including creditors and collection companies, can see all your posts. Consider using "private" settings in order to protect you and your family from unwanted stalking.
  • This includes yourself
  • THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS RELATE TO CERTAIN ISSUES THAT DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT IT IS APPROPRIATE TO FILE A BANKRUPTCY AND, IF SO, WHEN TO FILE.

  • Understand you will be required to surrender any inheritance after a bankruptcy to your creditors. In a chapter 7 that surrender period is 6 months; in a chapter 13 it is the life of the plan (3-5 years).
  • Understand that only the debts you owe on the day of filing the bankruptcy will be dealt with in the bankruptcy. So any new debts you incur after bankruptcy will be your obligation.
  • Understand that any refunds you have not collected by the date a bankruptcy is filed will be sent to the bankruptcy trustee.
  • Explain even if you never expect to collect the money or receive the asset.
  • If so, explain what for and how much you might be owed.
  • Such as: a car accident. How much are you owed and for what?
  • This would include houses, land, cars, businesses, generally any items of value. It is best to explain the circumstances so we can discuss any issues.
  • For instance: using your vehicle to obtain a loan, such as a title loan. It is best to explain the circumstances so we can discuss any issues.
  • If you repaid any loans from family or friends we must discuss the ramifications.
  • CREDIT CARDS, BANKS AND OTHER DEBTS:

  • Business debts include student loans, taxes, or loans, credit card charges or leases used for business purposes.
  • * Make sure to include debts for investment properties as secured business debts.
    * Also include any monies you charged on your personal credit cards but used for business purposes.
  • Answer "yes" if you had credit cards in the past that you did not pay off. Answer "yes" even if the creditor "wrote off" the debt. To write off a debt does not mean the debt is gone, it means the creditor will mostly likely sell it to a debt collector.
  • You only need to provide the year and approximate date and month. It is okay to guess as to the day and month, but not the year.
  • This is very important.
  • It is better to include all transfers or charges so we can discuss the specifics in more detail.
  • We will talk about secured debts.
  • BEWARE: I DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT ANYONE BANK AT WELLS FARGO IF THEY ARE CONSIDERING BANKRUPTCY (THEY WILL FREEZE YOUR ACCOUNTS). BEFORE CLOSING YOUR ACCOUNT(S) MAKE SURE TO GET 12 MONTHS OF BANK STATEMENTS (YOU WILL NEED THESE LATER).
  • If bankruptcy is in your future please move to a new bank now, after you get 12 months of bank statements. Request and use a debit card.
    DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME ON ANY ACCOUNT WITH SOMEONE ELSE AND DO NOT PUT YOUR MONEY INTO SOMEONE ELSE'S BANK ACCOUNT.
  • Try: Walmart's Blue Bird American Express pre-paid debit card. Make a deposit in Walmart and the funds are immediately available. Another option: PayNearMe. It is an easy way to use cash for making online purchases, paying bills and more. You can pay by scanning a barcode in one of 28,000 stores near you. Once the payment code is scanned by the store cashier, simply hand your payment in cash to the cashier and you will receive a receipt as proof of payment. www.paynearme.com/en
  • If yes - you should remove them as an authorized user prior to filing a bankruptcy. Talk to Diane about this issue.
  • In other words, were the returns filed after the date they were due, including extensions.
  • For example: 2013 federal return, no extension, filed November 2014. Owe $2,400.
  • For example: 2013 federal return, no extension, filed November 2014. Owe $2,400.
  • Beware of an cross-collateralized accounts with your credit union. I will explain what this means when we talk.
  • Most credit unions tie all your loans to any secured debts "cross-collateralized". Which means credit cards and personal loans are tied to your mortgage or vehicle loan.
  • WARNING: Beware of an cross-collateralized accounts with your credit union.
  • Beware of an cross-collateralized accounts with your credit union. I will explain what this means when we talk.
  • A separate action is filed in the Bankruptcy Court and will involve additional legal assistance. This firm does not prosecute student loan complaints. We will try to provide you with recommendations for attorneys who may be able to help.

    WARNING - 3/9/18 - In direct violation of 11 USC 525, I have received distressing news from other lawyers across the county that the Department of Education and its student loan servicers are kicking bankruptcy debtors out of their Income Driven Repayment plans. This can happen if debtors file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 and regardless of whether they were current on the student loan payments. This potentially illegal expulsion, even if temporary, can upend the debtor's progress towards getting a Public Student Loan Forgiveness or other cancellation of their loans.
  • Beware of an cross-collateralized accounts with your credit union. I will explain what this means when we talk.
  • The school that had to surrender the tuition may then require the student to pay the tuition or they may withhold the diploma or information regarding the status of classes until the tuition is paid. This is a changing area of law.
  • If so, the trustee may go after these funds.
  • If so, these may not be discharged in a bankruptcy.
  • What are you leasing: an apartment, vehicle, or other?
  • HOME, LAND AND VEHICLES

  • How much must you pay in order to bring the payments current?
  • If there is a trustee's sale pending, please provide us a copy of trustee sale documents.

    **It is your responsibility to confirm the trustee sale date and at all times to keep track of that date and any postponements; including the entire time your bankruptcy is pending. This office will not monitor the date of sale for you, but we be happy to answer your questions regarding the trustee sale process.
  • VERY IMPORTANT!
  • LenderDebt OwedIf you are behind on payments how much is due in order to bring the loan current? 
  • All fields must be filled out
    Describe - such as is it raw land, a timeshare, summer house?Fair Market ValueDebt Owed 
  • Important Notice

    If you are behind on your house payments: here is a link to the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP): http://www.justice.gov/ust/eo/public_affairs/consumer_info/docs/HAMP_Fact_Sheet.pdf (Link opens in new tab)

    You can also go to: Making Home Affordable at www.makinghomeaffordable.gov (federal web site). (Link opens in new tab)
  • Vehicle Information

    List all vehicles in your name (or that of your spouse), no matter who is driving that vehicle. List all debts on any of those vehicles. List the fair market value of each vehicle using the resources below. Resources for fair market value: www.kbb.com (YOU MUST USE PRIVATE PARTY VALUE) or www.edmunds.com or www.NADA.com I cannot give you good advice without an accurate fair market value.
  • This includes both vehicles you are paying for and those that are completely paid off. This also includes any vehicles your name is on, even if someone else drives it.

    * Do no answer yes if you only own leased vehicles.
  • * You must list the Kelly Blue Book private party value - www.KBB.com. I cannot help you without this information.
    * Do not list leased vehicles
    Model / Make / YearName(s) on the titleYear PurchasedFair Market ValueDebt Owed 
  • ASSETS, INCLUDING BUSINESSES

  • This includes a business that does not have a formal LLC or corporate name "sole proprietorship".
  • Normally you can value a business by subtracting liabilities (debts, including leases) from assets (including accounts receivable). Just provide us with a general guess.
  • (includes leases, credit cards, or other extensions of credit) Such as signing on the business lease or credit card.
  • This result will differ if filing a chapter 11 or 13
  • Revocable means you can change the trust
  • For instance - my name is on my mother's trust, but she is in excellent health and does not have valuable property.
  • For instance - my name is on my mother's trust, but she is in excellent health and does not have valuable property.
  • For instance - my name is on my mother's trust, but she is in excellent health and does not have valuable property.
  • It is important to discuss if these contributions were required as part of your employment.
  • It is important that you talk to your plan administrator or CPA in order to determine if all changes following the regulations governing the retirement plan. Failure to follow the regulations could result in losing your retirement plan in bankruptcy.
  • NOTE : it is very important to make absolutely certain that your retirement accounts are ERISA qualified. You can talk to your employer, HR, or plan administrator, or the word ERISA may be on your plan summary..
  • WARNING : THE ACCOUNT MUST BE ESTABLISHED FOR MORE THAN 2 YEARS. ANY MONIES DEPOSITED IN THE 12 MONTHS BEFORE FILING BANKRUPTCY ARE NOT PROTECTED. THERE ARE ADDITIONAL LIMITS ON THE AMOUNTS CONTRIBUTED WITHIN CERTAIN TIME PERIODS.
  • Miscellaneous

  • In other words did anyone else (parent, friend or ex-spouse) sign on any of your debts or you signed on their debts. For example a parent is a co-debtor if they sign a loan on a vehicle along with their child.
  • Like those horrible title or registration loans.
  • YOU MUST -- USE ACTUAL REPLACEMENT VALUE (506(a) (2)) and additional legal action will be necessary in Bankruptcy Court.)
  • IMPORTANT:

    IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS APPLY TO YOU THEN WE WILL NEED TO DISCUSS THE CONSQUENCES OF FILING FOR BANKRUPTCY.
  • Thanks, only one more section to go!

    Please proceed to the final step of this financial Information and we will have all we need to schedule your free consultation. WARNING: TO AVOID LOSING YOUR INFORMATION DO NOT TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTER OR LEAVE THIS SITE UNTIL THE FORM IS SUBMITTED (YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION WHEN IT IS SUBMITTED). PLEASE NOTE - WE DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO ANY INFORMATION UNTIL THE FORM IS SUBMITTED.
SAVE AND CONTINUE
  • Step 3 of 3 - Financial Information & Monthly Budget

    This form details how much you spend each month for basic living expenses. Be sure to include the MONTHLY (not yearly) amount for these expenses. In Arizona your utility bill is probably higher in the summer than the winter. Therefore take an average covering the last 12-month period. If you are married and your spouse does not reside with you please make a spreadsheet of their expenses and send them to our office. Make sure to include your name on the spreadsheet.
  • MONTHLY LIVING EXPENSES

  • monthly rent or mobile home payment
  • If it is not included in mortgage payment(s).
  • if it is not included in house payment(s).
  • (house, raw land or timeshare)
  • Average Monthly Expenses

  • Electricity, gas, water, phone, garbage (monthly - just a guess is fine)
  • Not paid by insurance
  • Taxes

  • Please provide amount and short explanation (such as "self-employed")
  • Click the plus icon to add up to 25 entries
    YearAmountMonthly Payment 
  • Insurance

  • Monthly / Quarterly
  • NOT deducted from a paycheck
  • NOT deducted from a paycheck
  • NOT deducted from a paycheck
  • Any other insurance not specified
  • Vehicles

    Make sure to list all vehicles you own (whether paid in full or not); include any vehicles you own with someone else. List all payments, including leases.
  • Click the plus icon to add up to 25 entries
    Monthly PaymentLeased? (Yes / No) 
  • all vehicles: gas, oil changes, maintenance, tags
  • Other Monthly Expenses

  • For instance, sending Grandma $200 per month to help pay her utility. We will need a history in order to show why this should be included as an expense.
  • This may be an annual expenses, but you should divide it by 12 in order to determine the average monthly expense.
  • (do not include student loans)
  • (do not include student loans)
  • (only if claimed on taxes)
  • MEAN'S TEST ANALYSIS

  • MEANS TEST

    INCOME FROM ALL SOURCES RECEIVED IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS

    * Note on this income and means test

    This test comes from the 2005 changes to the bankruptcy law. Neither you nor I like going through this analysis, but it is the law (somewhat like taking nasty tasting medicine).

    Please read the directions below because this is the most complicated area we will be discussing, but it is extremely important. If you provide me with accurate information I can give you good legal advice. Please call if you have any questions.

    Thanks in advance for your understanding and patience.
  • All income must be GROSS (before taxes and other deductions).

    • List income from each employer separately.
    • List all income in the month it was received, not the month it was due.
    • Include tips and bonuses in the month they were received.
    • If you receive a commission, list the amount earned in the month it was received.

    Other Income

    • If income is earned as a sole proprietor - list all income in the month received.
    • If you receive a salary from your own company list that income in the month you receive it, not when the business received it.
    • Include retirement income.
    • Include disability income ; BUT MAKE SURE TO IDENTIFY IF IT IS SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY.
    • Include Social Security, BUT MAKE SURE TO IDENTIFY IT AS SOCIAL SECURITY.
    • Include all monies received from ANY source, including cashing in retirement accounts, sales of large items and tax refunds, etc. Identify the source.
    • RENTS: include money from rents (after deducting amount paid for mortgage/HOA/utilities, etc).

      If someone is living with you - include their NET income even if they do not give it to you. To calculate NET income deduct their own expenses such as: taxes, insurance, expenses related to vehicles, medical, credit cards, student loans, other housing, business debts, etc.

    • Include all monies regularly received from gifts or loans from friends or relatives.
    • The income must be for a FULL month; therefore use the last FULL 6 months, do NOT include the current month.
    • * It is better to list everything and then we can remove what does not apply to your situation.
  • The following chart is an example of how to fill out the means test form:


    ***NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. DO YOUR BEST!***
    WITHOUT ACCURATE INFORMATION IT IS VERY DIFFICULT FOR DIANE TO GIVE YOU GOOD ADVICE ABOUT BANKRUPTCY AND HOW IT WILL HELP YOU, OR EVEN IF IT WILL HELP YOU.

    PLEASE CALL IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS at 602-246-7106

  • Information About You

    Please take your time and accurately fill out information about your income. I cannot give you good advice without this information.
  • I ask this in order to keep income from multiple sources organized.
  • Is someone paying some of your bills? All of this is "income" and must be listed so we can do our best to give you good advice.
  • If dad is paying your phone bill this is "income" and must be listed.
  • please explain how you are eating, how you have a place to sleep or the ability to take care of yourself.
  • Your spouse or significant other.

  • Employer/OtherMonth 1Month 2Month 3Month 4Month 5Month 6 
  • NOW STOP!

    Finish the following page ONLY if your average gross income (ANNUAL income before taxes and other deductions) exceeds the amount permitted for the number of people that live in your home. Normally that means the number of people you deduct on your tax returns, but there are always exceptions. The more accurate job you do here the more accurate legal advice I can give you.

    For now include income for everyone who lives in your home. Prepare an explanation if your family has unusual income. Do not include anyone’s social security income as part of the following calculation.

    Annual Gross Income (before any deductions):

    Family of 1 - $51,338
    Family of 2 - $64,543
    Family of 3 - $70,428
    Family of 4 - $85,403
    Family of 5 - $94,403

    each additional person: $9,000 Even if you income does NOT exceed these amounts, you must answer 'yes' or 'no' to the next question.

  • (income before taxes and other deductions) exceed the amount permitted for a family of your size.
  • Instructions for the following questions:

    IMPORTANT: The following expenses are monthly, not annual and not per pay check.

    These questions pertain NOT to what you were actually paid or received over the last six months. Instead, these are for expenses you will spend or should spend in the future. In other words, unlike income this is a forward looking review of your expenses.

    (e.g.: what is the correct amount you should be deducting from your paycheck(s). Or, if you want but do not have life insurance, disability insurance, or health savings plan, etc. Make sure you talk to Diane about this.

    Include all expenses, those deducted from your paychecks AND those that you pay directly in cash or by check.

    How to calculate monthly expenses:

    TAXES: If your income fluctuates then add all taxes for the 6 months above, including anticipated taxes on 1099 income then divide by 6.

    Are you paid the same amount every week? If so, multiply the taxes from one paycheck by 52 and divide by 12 to determine your monthly taxes.

    Are you paid the same amount every two weeks? If so, multiply the taxes from one paycheck by 26 and divide by 12 to determine your monthly taxes.

  • (federal, state, FICA, social security, Medicare and self-employment). If you include income for two people (spouse or signficiant other) then add taxes from all income and enter one number.
  • (employer forces you to pay: e.g. union dues or forced retirement) These are expenses that you are required to pay in order to work for this employer. For instance - if you work for the government they usually require you to contribute to a retirement account.
  • This may be deducted from a paycheck or you pay the premium directly.
  • (such as child support/alimony)
  • expenses for employment or physically/mentally challenged child
  • Make sure to include dental and all other insurance.
  • These expenses need to be averaged over 12 months, then divided by 12 in order to give an average for your "out of pocket" expense. Make sure to include all health care expenses (diabetes medication, eye exams, etc).
  • Calculate these expenses over a 12 month period and divide by 12 in order to determine the average monthly expense.
  • Additional issues:

  • FABULOUS JOB, BUT BEFORE YOU TAKE A WELL DESERVED BREAK, PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION BELOW AND SIGN (checkbox) WHERE INDICATED.

    I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING ACCURATE INFORMATION WHICH WILL ALLOW ME TO GIVE YOU LEGAL ADVICE TAILORED TO YOUR UNIQUE SITUATION. I LOOK FORWARD TO TALKING WITH YOU. PLEASE CALL IF YOU DO NOT HEAR FROM US WITHIN 24 HOURS AFTER SENDING YOUR FORM. YOU ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO US AND WE DO NOT WANT YOU TO FEEL UNNECESSARY STRESS JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE WAITING TO HEAR FROM US. WE ARE REALLY HERE TO HELP YOU. REMEMBER: FILLING OUT THIS INFORMATION AND HAVING THE PHONE DISCUSSION IS NOT A COMMITMENT TO FILING BANKRUPTCY AND IT DOES NOT CREATE AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP. I AM NOT YOUR ATTORNEY UNTIL YOU SIGN A RETAINER AGREEMENT.
  • IMPORTANT NOTICES REQUIRED BY LAW:

    The following notices are required pursuant to 527(a)(2). By signing below you acknowledge that: 1) You understand that all information that you are required to provide to complete any documents filed with the Bankruptcy Court must be complete, accurate and truthful; 2) You will fully and completely disclose all assets and all liabilities in the documents filed with the Bankruptcy Court; 3) You have fully disclosed all sources of income on any documents filed with the court; 4) You understand that any information set forth either in the documents filed with the Bankruptcy Court, or testified to under oath may be audited and that failure to provide accurate information may result in the dismissal of your bankruptcy case or other sanctions, including criminal sanctions; 5) You agree that a faxed or e-mailed signature shall be sufficient to indicate agreement to these notices.
  • UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT NOTICE TO INDIVIDUAL CONSUMER DEBTOR UNDER § 342(b) OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE

    In accordance with § 342(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, this notice: (1) describes briefly the services available from credit counseling services; (2) describes briefly the purposes, benefits and costs of the four types of bankruptcy proceedings you may commence; and (3) informs you about bankruptcy crimes and notifies you that the Attorney General may examine all information you supply in connection with a bankruptcy case. You are cautioned that bankruptcy law is complicated and not easily described. Thus, you may wish to seek the advice of an attorney to learn of your rights and responsibilities should you decide to file a petition. Court employees cannot give you legal advice.

    1. Services Available from Credit Counseling Agencies

    With limited exceptions, § 109(h) of the Bankruptcy Code requires that all individual debtors who file for bankruptcy relief on or after October 17, 2005, receive a briefing that outlines the available opportunities for credit counseling and provides assistance in performing a budget analysis. The briefing must be given within 180 days before the bankruptcy filing. The briefing may be provided individually or in a group (including briefings conducted by telephone or on the Internet) and must be provided by a nonprofit budget and credit counseling agency approved by the United States trustee or bankruptcy administrator. The clerk of the bankruptcy court has a list that you may consult of the approved budget and credit counseling agencies.

    In addition, after filing a bankruptcy case, an individual debtor generally must complete a financial management instructional course before he or she can receive a discharge. The clerk also has a list of approved financial management instructional courses.

    2. The Four Chapters of the Bankruptcy Code Available to Individual Consumer Debtors

    Chapter 7: Liquidation

    1. Chapter 7 is designed for debtors in financial difficulty who do not have the ability to pay their existing debts. Debtors whose debts are primarily consumer debts are subject to a “means test” designed to determine whether the case should be permitted to proceed under chapter 7. If your income is greater than the median income for your state of residence and family size, in some cases, creditors have the right to file a motion requesting that the court dismiss your case under § 707(b) of the Code. It is up to the court to decide whether the case should be dismissed.

    2. Under chapter 7, you may claim certain of your property as exempt under governing law. A trustee may have the right to take possession of and sell the remaining property that is not exempt and use the sale proceeds to pay your creditors.

    3. The purpose of filing a chapter 7 case is to obtain a discharge of your existing debts. If, however, you are found to have committed certain kinds of improper conduct described in the Bankruptcy Code, the court may deny your discharge and, if it does, the purpose for which you filed the bankruptcy petition will be defeated.

    4. Even if you receive a general discharge, some particular debts are not discharged under the law. Therefore, you may still be responsible for most taxes and student loans; debts incurred to pay non-dischargeable taxes; domestic support and property settlement obligations; most fines, penalties, forfeitures, and criminal restitution obligations; certain debts which are not properly listed in your bankruptcy papers; and debts for death or personal injury caused by operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft while intoxicated from alcohol or drugs. Also, if a creditor can prove that a debt arose from fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, or theft, or from a willful and malicious injury, the bankruptcy court may determine that the debt is not discharged.

    Chapter 13: Repayment of All or Part of the Debts of an Individual with Regular Income

    1. Chapter 13 is designed for individuals with regular income who would like to pay all or part of their debts in installments over a period of time. You are only eligible for chapter 13 if your debts do not exceed certain dollar amounts set forth in the Bankruptcy Code.

    2. Under chapter 13, you must file with the court a plan to repay your creditors all or part of the money that you owe them, using your future earnings. The period allowed by the court to repay your debts may be three years or five years, depending upon your income and other factors. The court must approve your plan before it can take effect.

    3. After completing the payments under your plan, your debts are generally discharged except for domestic support obligations; most student loans; certain taxes; most criminal fines and restitution obligations; certain debts which are not properly listed in your bankruptcy papers; certain debts for acts that caused death or personal injury; and certain long term secured obligations.

    Chapter 11: Reorganization

    Chapter 11 is designed for the reorganization of a business but is also available to consumer debtors. Its provisions are quite complicated, and any decision by an individual to file a chapter 11 petition should be reviewed with an attorney.

    Chapter 12: Family Farmer or Fisherman

    Chapter 12 is designed to permit family farmers and fishermen to repay their debts over a period of time from future earnings and is similar to chapter 13. The eligibility requirements are restrictive, limiting its use to those whose income arises primarily from a family-owned farm or commercial fishing operation.

    3. Bankruptcy Crimes and Availability of Bankruptcy Papers to Law Enforcement Officials

    A person who knowingly and fraudulently conceals assets or makes a false oath or statement under penalty of perjury, either orally or in writing, in connection with a bankruptcy case is subject to a fine, imprisonment, or both. All information supplied by a debtor in connection with a bankruptcy case is subject to examination by the Attorney General acting through the Office of the United States Trustee, the Office of the United States Attorney, and other components and employees of the Department of Justice.

    WARNING: Section 521(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code requires that you promptly file detailed information regarding your creditors, assets, liabilities, income, expenses and general financial condition. Your bankruptcy case may be dismissed if this information is not filed with the court within the time deadlines set by the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, and the local rules of the court.

  • “THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENT IS INTENDED TO BE ON A SEPARATE PAGE”

    Notice required by Bankruptcy Code Section 527(b)

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BANKRUPTCY ASSISTANCE SERVICES FROM AN ATTORNEY

    If you decide to seek bankruptcy relief, you can represent yourself, hire a qualified bankruptcy attorney, or you are able to answer all questions related to bankruptcy – hire a bankruptcy petition preparer that is not an attorney. Under Arizona law the Arizona Supreme Court must license all Bankruptcy Petition Preparer and they may not give any legal advice, including explaining most of the terms contained in the bankruptcy forms. The law requires that any Attorney or Bankruptcy Petition Preparer give you a written contract specifying the work to be done and the fees to be charged. Before filing any bankruptcy case you and your attorney should analyze your eligibility for different forms of relief available under the bankruptcy code and which type of bankruptcy relief is most beneficial for you. Be sure you understand that relief you can obtain and its limitations. To file a bankruptcy case, documents called a Petition, Schedules, and Statement of Financial Affairs, as well as in some cases a Statement of Intention, must be prepared correctly and filed with the bankruptcy Court. You will have to pay a filing fee to the court. Within a few weeks after your case is filed with the Court you will be required to attend a meeting of creditors where the Trustee assigned to your case will swear you to tell the truth and ask you a few questions. Creditors, should they be present, can also ask questions. In most cases no creditors are ever present. If you choose a chapter 7 case, you may be asked by a creditor who has a lien on your car, computer, appliances or furniture to reaffirm a debt. You should first obtain legal counsel before making any decision related to reaffirming any debt. A creditor is not permitted to coerce or bully you into signing a reaffirmation agreement. If you choose to file a chapter 13 in which you repay your creditors what you can afford over 3 to 5 years, you may also want help with preparing your chapter 13 plan and with the confirmation hearing on your plan. A chapter 13 case can be used to pay arrears on your home, back taxes, child support, or your ca. Normally you will also need legal assistance in planning for a successful chapter 13 filing and the confirmation process, which is part of every chapter 13 case. It is very rare for anyone to successfully complete a chapter 13 filing without being represented by an attorney. If you select another type of relief under the Bankruptcy Code other than chapter 7or 13, you will want to find out what should be done from an attorney familiar with that type of relief. Your bankruptcy case may also involve litigation. This is usually rare in a chapter 7 case. You can represent yourself - but it is a complicated process and one that you will rarely succeed in without legal counsel. Only an attorney can give you legal advice.
    If the form does not submit when you press the button then you need to scroll through the form looking for red paragraphs that need answers. If it is successfully submitted you will receive a notification. Therefore, if you do not receive that email it was not successfully submitted and you need to go back and check what was not completed in the third section.
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Disclaimer: The information in this web site is not intended to provide legal advice or to create an attorney-client relationship; but is intended for general education and information purposes only. Laws change periodically, therefore the information in this site may not be accurate. It is imperative that you seek legal counsel in order to determine your rights and obligations under the law and based upon your specific circumstances.

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