Our Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Process
Attorney Suzann Beckett and her associates are bankruptcy attorneys providing caring and compassionate Chapter 7 bankruptcy help in Connecticut.
Chapter 7 protection can offer a “fresh start” for many who are burdened with debt because of illness, job loss, divorce, threat of foreclosure, wage garnishment to name a few causes. Part of that “fresh start” is to act as confidentially as we can on your behalf in the privacy of our comfortable, professional office on the West Hartford/Hartford line.
Learn about what bankruptcy can and cannot do for you so you can make an educated decision.
Our lawyers and staff will make every effort to make you comfortable, and we’ll take the time to learn about your situation and answer all of your questions. Bankruptcy is not for everyone but we can talk about whether or not you are a good candidate for either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy so you can make an educated decision on how to proceed. If either bankruptcy category is not appropriate for any reason, we can talk about other options that might provide you with relief.
If we decide to work together, we’ll ask you to provide detailed financial information (such as credit card statements, any lawsuits, foreclosures or repossessions, taxes owed, student loans, or medical bills) and information about property you own (bank accounts, real estate, cars, insurance policies, retirement accounts, etc.). We will carefully review all the information you provide for compliance with bankruptcy rules and regulations. As soon as possible, we will file your bankruptcy petition or move forward with whatever other plans of action you have chosen. The moment your bankruptcy petition is filed (any chapter), your creditors must stop trying to collect from you. Once you file, your creditors cannot harass you, sue you, take money out of your bank account or attach your wages.
While Chapter 7 is technically called a “liquidation”, don’t be alarmed by that word. Most often, people filing both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy keep all of their personal property, furniture and car(s). It is extremely unusual in Connecticut for anyone with an experienced attorney to have assets taken or sold unexpectedly. If you are one of the few people that have more assets than the bankruptcy court allows, we will discuss it with you before filing – there shouldn’t be any surprises later.
Before you can file any bankruptcy case, you must complete a credit counseling course. Most people prefer to take the class online, but we can provide you with vendors who offer the class in person or by phone if you prefer to go that route. We literally cannot file a bankruptcy petition without a certificate of completion.
As soon as your case is officially filed, a Trustee is appointed and you will be assigned a case number. The court will set a date for a “341” meeting and automatically notify your creditors that you have filed for bankruptcy. The 341 meeting is a reference to the bankruptcy code section that talks about the meeting of creditors. In reality, it is extremely rare for a creditor to appear at this meeting but they do have the right to if they wish to do so.
This 341 meeting is held about a month after filing at either the Bankruptcy Court or at the Office of the US Trustee. There are 3 bankruptcy courts – Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport. All cases are heard in one of these 3 courts. The purpose of the meeting is for the bankruptcy trustee to meet you, interview you briefly, and give any creditors present a chance to ask you questions under oath. The US Trustee may also appear or request further information from you if something in your petition seems “off”.
At this 341 meeting, the trustee will ask you questions about your assets and your outstanding debt and sometimes, about any inconsistencies in your petition. Everything you say is recorded, and you will testify under penalty of perjury. There is no reason to worry as long as you tell the truth and your petition is true and accurate. If your petition is accurate, and if your answers are consistent with the information in the written documents, your 341 meetings may take 15 minutes or less.
If all goes well, you will be DONE after about 100 days (from the date the petition is filed with the Court). The Court will send a “Notice of Discharge” which can be used as your proof that you no longer owe any of the dischargeable debts that you had before filing. This is the first step towards financial freedom! If you use our Firm, we’ll then start the process of helping you rebuild your credit and your credit score.
Do I Qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is for individuals who after paying all of their regular monthly living expenses, do not have any money leftover to make payments or partial payments on their unsecured debts.
In Connecticut, Chapter 7 bankruptcy help is excellent for eliminating most types of unsecured debts, including:
- Credit Cards
- Medical Bills
- Gambling Debts
- Payday Loans
- Personal Loans
- Most Civil Judgements
- Delinquent Utility Bills
- Deficiencies Resulting from Repossession or Foreclosure
Filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Stops Collection Actions
Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy help can stop many debt collection practices, including:
- Foreclosure Notices
- Debt Collector Harassment
- Lawsuits and Judgement
- Wage Garments and Bank Account Levies
- Utility Shutoffs
If you need a fresh start from your debts, contact our Connecticut bankruptcy lawyers today to schedule a free initial consultation to see if you qualify. Bankruptcy laws are difficult and should not be tackled as a self-represented party or person.