Every case can benefit from a bankruptcy attorney’s help.
It is possible to file for bankruptcy without the assistance of an attorney, and some people will tell you that this is an advisable route to take for a “simple” bankruptcy.
The only problem is, how can you tell if your bankruptcy is simple? You can’t—at least not with complete certainty. And when it comes to an important legal proceeding that is going to affect your financial future for years to come, don’t you want to be certain that every last detail has been accounted for correctly?
Of course you do. That’s why you need to hire a bankruptcy attorney from California Bankruptcy Relief.
Avoid Common Filing Mistakes By Hiring an Attorney
No matter what kind of bankruptcy you are considering or how simple you think your financial situation is, there is always the potential for error in the process when you attempt to fill out the bankruptcy petition on your own or with help from anyone but an experienced bankruptcy attorney.
Here are some common filing mistakes that could be avoided by trusting your case California Bankruptcy Relief:
Filing under the wrong Chapter: The most common types of personal bankruptcy are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 allows for all unsecured debts to be eliminated, while Chapter 13 creates a repayment plan for your debts. Obviously you would not want to get your Chapters mixed up and file the wrong paperwork as this could prevent you from getting the relief you need.
Doing the means test incorrectly: You need to be sure you qualify for the Chapter you want to file under—Chapter 7 is means tested so if your income is too high you will not qualify. The California means test can be complicated and is best left to a professional.
Choosing the wrong exemptions: Another common mistake the individuals make when trying to file on their own is choosing the wrong exemption list. This can cause you to miss out on valuable protection for your home or certain other assets during the bankruptcy proceeding.
Repaying a creditor or transferring assets right before filing: There are some very specific rules about when you may file for bankruptcy. If you file too soon after transferring assets to a relative or repaying one of your creditors, your petition may be denied or the other creditors may end up suing.
Making errors anywhere in the paperwork: A personal bankruptcy petition requires roughly 60 pages of paperwork and offers many opportunities to make a mistake. For example, you might get the value of an asset wrong or neglect to report all your assets. Even if the mistake is not noticed at first and your petition is approved, it’s entirely possible for your case to get reopened if an error is discovered by the bankruptcy trustee.
Why Risk Mistakes? Call Us Now
At best, errors could result in your petition being rejected or delayed. At worst, they could lead to criminal accusations of fraud or perjury. Why risk it? Simply call California Bankruptcy Relief at 951-755-1000 and leave the matter to the pros.
