How to Get Your Bankruptcy Case Filed

Illinois Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Serving DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties

If you are in financial distress and considering filing for bankruptcy, we can help. Springer Brown is the largest bankruptcy law firm in DuPage County. Our attorneys are both experienced and knowledgeable in handling consumer bankruptcies. We work closely with our clients to help them understand the process of filing for bankruptcy and to ease them through the proceedings.

Bankruptcy Filing Procedure

The first step in filing for bankruptcy is gathering the documentation you need to illustrate your personal financial situation. This includes but is not limited to:

• Your last two years’ tax returns
• Your pay stubs for the last six months (or a consolidated printout from your employer)
• Bills for household expenses
• Deeds to real estate holdings
• Titles to cars
• All other documents pertaining to loans, income or expenses

The next step is to complete the bankruptcy schedules. These forms contain specific information about your financial circumstances. Your attorney will use the aforementioned documentation you provide to compete these forms. If you are filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, your attorney must also complete a reorganization plan. This is not necessary for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing. Finally, the bankruptcy schedules (and reorganization plan where applicable) are submitted the federal bankruptcy court and the filing fees are paid.

What Happens After the Bankruptcy Case is Filed?

Once your bankruptcy case is filed, an “automatic stay” goes into effect, which requires all collection attempts to cease. About a month later, you are expected to attend a 341 meeting. At this meeting you may have to answer questions posed by your creditors under oath. Finally, filers have to complete a financial management course.

If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, call us today. We can assist in handling the filing and walking you through what to expect along the line.