NOTE: Labels in bold are required.
The Bankruptcy Process in 10 Steps
Bankruptcy may sound like a complex, forbidding process, but with an experienced attorney on your side, it can be relatively painless. At the Law Offices of James C. Shields, we understand that thoroughly handling the details of the process is the best way to avoid complications and achieving the debt relief our clients seek.
We represent people from Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino counties. Contact us today at (866) 959-3531 or (310) 961-4386 to discuss your debt relief options.
Learning the Process
At the California Law Offices of James C. Shields, we understand all aspects of Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. We will be here for you whenever you need us, to guide you through all the steps of the bankruptcy process:
1. Contacting us: Call us at (866) 959-3531 or (310) 961-4386 or send an email using the contact us page on this website.
2. Scheduling your free consultation: Schedule a consultation at our conveniently located office in Torrance. We will spend as much time with you as you need to discuss your situation and explore your debt relief options.
3. Signing up with us: For a relatively small fee, you can enlist our services as your attorney. This step alone will prohibit creditors from harassing you; all further communication they have with you must go through our office.
4. Gathering documents: We will ask you to gather tax returns, pay stubs, bills, mortgage and loan documents, and letters from your creditors so we can fully explore your debt situation.
5. Getting your case ready to file: When we have reviewed your documents, we can file the initial bankruptcy motion. We can do it immediately or gradually over several months, depending on when you are able to make necessary payments.
6. Helping with credit counseling: New bankruptcy laws require that you partake in a credit-counseling course. This course is relatively brief and can be completed online.
7. Filing your case: At this stage you will come to our office for a final signing appointment. When you have signed the final documents we will file for bankruptcy.
8. Enforcing the automatic stay: As soon as your case is filed, the bankruptcy court will notify your creditors to immediately stop all actions against you, including foreclosure and repossession and wage garnishment and bank levies.
9. Meeting of creditors: Approximately 25 to 45 days after filing, you will be required to attend a meeting with your creditors (who seldom even show up) and your bankruptcy trustee. We will attend this meeting with you to make sure everything goes smoothly.
10. Getting your discharge or repayment plan: For Chapter 7 bankruptcy, debt discharge will be achieved around three or four months after filing. For Chapter 13, you will begin a debt repayment plan that will last from three to five years.
There are many stages to filing for bankruptcy, but our attorneys are very good at guiding people through the process from the initial call to the debt settlement. If you are overwhelmed by debt, we are here to help.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you have questions about the personal bankruptcy process, we are here for you. Contact us today online or by telephone at (866) 959-3531 or (310) 961-4386 to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced bankruptcy lawyer. We are open on Saturdays and are available before or after regular business hours by appointment. For your convenience, we accept checks and debit cards as forms of payment.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
