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.
If the landlord already has a court order, bankruptcy might buy you a couple of weelks, but it will not stop the eviction. Bankruptcy will elminate most of your debts, like medical bills, credit cards, personal loans, and some old taxes.
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.
Such as: a car accident. How much are you owed and for what?
Paying family and friends back while not paying other bills can be a problem. Please talk to me about the ramifications.
CREDIT CARDS, BANKS AND OTHER DEBTS:
What did you use the funds for? The lender will want specific details. Make sure to have good business records.
If under $25,000, no collateral or guarantee is required. If over $100,000 of collateral was required on the business, if $200,000 or more, a loan on your home was required.
IMPORTANT: If you are closing the business, you are required to send the lender and/or SBA a notice that the business is closed and where the business assets are located. Keep a copy of that letter because this could become very important.
Briefly explain the total amount charged in the last 3 months, and how the funds were used.
We will talk about secured debts.
For instance: 2013 federal return, no extension, filed November 2014. Owe $2,400.
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.
Several types of loans associated with education expenses are dischargeable in bankruptcy, like most other types of unsecured consumer debt. These types of loans for education expenses are not subject to the more difficult standard and extra step. These loans could include, for example:
*Loans where the loan amount was higher than the cost of attendance (such as tuition, books, room, and board), which can occur when a loan is paid directly to a consumer.
*Loans to pay for education at places that are not eligible for Title IV funding such as unaccredited colleges, a school in a foreign country, or unaccredited training and trade certificate programs.
*Loans made to cover fees and living expenses incurred while studying for the bar exam or other professional exams.
*Loans made to cover fees, living expenses, and moving costs associated with medical or dental residency.
*Loans to a student attending school less than half-time.
HOME, LAND AND VEHICLES
What are you leasing: an apartment or other? When does the lease expire?
IMPORTANT NOTE: YOU MUST FILE AN ASSUMPTION OF A RESIDENTIAL LEASE WITHIN 60 DAYS AFTER YOUR BANKRUPTCY IS FILED, OR YOUR LANDLORD COULD TERMINATE YOUR LEASE.
If you said you are not renting and don't own a home, please explain where you live. "Own" means your name is on title to a home, condo, or any other place you live, even if it is paid in full (no mortgage).
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.
What are you leasing:? When does the lease expire?
ASSETS, INCLUDING BUSINESSES:
Such as a home, vehicle, business, bank account, etc.
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 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.
Spend any HSA or similar funds before filing a 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..
MISCELLANEOUS
If there was more than one divorce, please explain who and when.
(If so, 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.