Frequently Asked Questions

General Concepts

1. What are the main purposes of bankruptcy?
2. What are the different kinds of bankruptcy?
3. What is the difference between chapter 7 and chapter 13?
4. Do I have to"qualify" for bankruptcy? How will I know if I am eligible?
5. How does bankruptcy help me in the short run?
6. What is a discharge?
7. Do all debts get discharged?
8. How much does it cost to file bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy Procedures

1. If I decide to file for bankruptcy, what do I have to do before I file?
2. What documents do I need to file in a chapter 7 case?
3. What will happen in my chapter 7 case after I file all these documents?
4. Are there additional documents and other requirements in a chapter 13 case? What is required in the chapter 13 plan?
5. Must I produce tax returns before and after my bankruptcy?
6. Do I have to list all creditors on the bankruptcy schedules?
7. What should I do if I discover that I forgot to list a creditor in the bankruptcy schedules?
8. What should I do if a creditor demands payment of a debt after I file my case?
9. Is there anything I should know about the timing of my case?

More Details on the Bankruptcy Process

1. How much property can I keep after filing?
2. What is the difference between secured creditors and unsecured creditors?
3. Does a bankruptcy case automatically remove liens, such as mortgages, against my property?
4. How does the automatic stay work to stop foreclosures, repossessions or other collection efforts from taking place?
5. What must I do to prevent foreclosures and repossessions?
6. How does a chapter 13 case help me with my secured debts?
7. What can be done if I fall behind in payments after filing a chapter 13 case?
8. What is a reaffirmation agreement and how does it work?
9. Can I make payments on a discharged debt without a reaffirmation agreement?
10. Can I obtain bankruptcy protection again if I have filed a bankruptcy in the past and am now falling behind in payments again?

The End of Your Bankruptcy Case

1. Once a chapter 7 or chapter 13 case is completed, are there other requirements before I receive a discharge?
2. How do I know when my bankruptcy case is completed and I am no longer in bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy and Your Future Relationship with Credit

1. How does bankruptcy affect my credit rating?
2. What can I do to reestablish my credit after filing bankruptcy?
3. How can I obtain a copy of my credit report and correct any errors?