Frequently Asked Questions About Bankruptcy

• Below are questions frequently asked about bankruptcy. The responses are intended to provide you with a general understanding of the bankruptcy process. You should consult an attorney in person before taking any action regarding these matters.

GENERAL BANKRUPTCY QUESTIONS

Does Bankruptcy get rid of all debts?

Not necessarily. Some examples are alimony, child support, certain property settlement agreements in divorce, certain income tax liabilities, Department of Revenue sales tax liability, Internal Revenue Service pay roll tax liability or trust fund liability, and many student loans. Also, many debts created by fraud, embezzlement, or conversion can not be discharged. (An example of this would getting a large cash advance just before filing. That could be considered fraud.)

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If I like a particular credit card, can I not list that company and keep the card?

You must list ALL debts that have a balance, because all creditors must be treated equally.

What if I pay a card off? Will they let me keep it?

We cannot speak for the creditors policies. However, our experience is if you pay off one thinking you will be able to keep it, the likelihood is the creditor will still close your account. Also, because creditors have to be treated equally, if you pay more than $600 within 90 days of filing the Trustee can and may make them give it back and disperse it to all creditors who file claims in your case.

Will I Be Able to Save my Home by Filing for Personal Bankruptcy?

One of the big benefits of declaring personal bankruptcy is this: from the moment your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is filed with the court, foreclosure actions against you must stop. The foreclosure can be held off while you catch up the payments. However, you must be able to show the court that you CAN make the regular payments from now on, plus an amount to catch up what you are behind to make it work. If you can not make the payments the lender will get relief from the bankruptcy fairly quickly.

Can I transfer my car, boat, collectibles, home, tools, etc. to another person to keep those items out of bankruptcy?

This is NEVER a good idea. Transferring property to keep it away from creditors, and out of the Bankruptcy can be considered fraud. The transfer can be reversed for 2 years under Bankruptcy Law, and 4 years under California's Fraudulent Transfer Act. It could also be considered a crime, and/or you could lose your bankruptcy discharge of the debt.

Are bounced checks dischargeable in bankruptcy?

Usually the DEBT is discharged. However, bouncing checks is a crime and bankruptcy does not keep you from being prosecuted for the crime if a criminal complaint is filed by the District Attorney.

Is there a difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 as to what debts can be discharged?

Yes. (Example: It is sometimes possible to get rid of a second mortgage in Chapter 13, but not Chapter 7, depending on the facts) The details as to what can and cannot be in what chapters are more than can be easily listed here, and are specific to your case. If you want to know specifics call for a free consultation.

Will my credit union or bank close my bank accounts if I file bankruptcy?

Possibly. If a credit union loses money because of the Bankruptcy, they will likely cancel your membership. With some banks there is a risk, if you owe them money, they will clean out, or freeze your account when they find out you filed. The short answer is if you owe them money you should open an account somewhere else before filing.

Will my bankruptcy affect a co-signer on the debt?

Yes. When the person co-signed they were guaranteeing the debt would be paid by them in the event you do not pay. If they do not file their own Bankruptcy the creditor can and likely will go after them. Sometimes, in Chapter 13 it is possible to protect them. Call for more information.

May my employer fire me for filing bankruptcy?

No. In Federal law is the anti-discrimination section of the Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. § 525) that precludes a public or private employer from discriminating against any employee solely because he or she filed for bankruptcy. Employers almost always honor this section and there are normally remedies if they try to violate it.

How long does bankruptcy remain on my credit report and can I obtain credit before that time period runs?

A bankruptcy can be in your credit report for 10 years. However, this DOES NOT mean you do not have any credit for 10 years. How quickly you recover will be up to you. It is your responsibility to rebuild your credit. The average debtor is usually back on track in 3 to 5 years. There are creditors that want to give you credit, because they make money giving you credit.

What is credit counseling and must I take it?

The new Bankruptcy law requires you to do 2 counseling sessions on debtor education. One session before you file, and one after. (Your ticket in and your ticket out) Both are done on the internet, and are not difficult. They can be completed at our office if you do not have internet access. Our office will help you get through them, and it is part of your total fee.

Does your fees include ALL THE FEES I will have to pay??

Yes. We charge one fee and it includes the attorney's fees, the filing fee for the court, the counseling, and credit reports. You may find cheaper prices quoted. However, when you get to their office you will likely find out it does not include the court filing fees, ($335 for Chapter 7). Then you will be told to go get your own counseling, (and pay for that yourself) then bring back the certificate. Also to go get your own credit report and bring that back to them.

We have no surprises later. Also, beware of "out of town" companies that quote low prices and make the service sound too good to be true. Ask yourself (logically) if a company 200 or more miles away is going to travel to Fresno to represent you in court. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you go to some Bankruptcy Court hearings. Then watch what happens to the poor people that made the mistake of hiring these out of town companies. A simple rule of thumb is if you cannot meet the individual you are hiring IN PERSON, and look them in the eye BEWARE!!

Chapter 7 FAQs.

How do I qualify for Chapter 7?

Your income is a factor that must be looked at. If you make too much money, (based upon a formula congress created in 2005) then you are not allowed to do Chapter 7. It is simply a fairness argument. If you can afford to pay SOMETHING (Based upon that formula mentioned) then they will not let you simply walk away from your debts. However that does not necessarily mean you have to pay ALL of it back. You pay back based upon the formula. Contact us for an appointment and we will help you figure out exactly what YOUR situation is, and what you qualify for.

What is a discharge?

A Chapter 7 discharge is an order signed by the bankruptcy judge which wipes out most unsecured debt. This keeps those creditors from attempting to collect the debt from you. You will normally receive your Discharge about 4 months after the Chapter 7 case is filed. There are some exceptions to discharge, (like most student loans). If you are not sure, ask us.

What is a Chapter 7 trustee?

The Trustee is the one who administers your case. It is their duty to look for things to sell and pay the creditors. However, most Chapter 7 cases do not have any property that can be taken and sold.

What is the meeting of creditors and what happens there?

The meeting of creditors is conducted by the Chapter 7 trustee. The debtor(s) are examined under oath concerning their assets and debts. It is the creditor's "opportunity" to question you while you are there and under oath. Creditors who choose to attend the meeting, either in person or through their attorney, can ask questions about the case. Normally creditors do not come. The average meeting of creditors lasts about three to five minutes and is held approximately 30 days after the Chapter 7 bankruptcy is filed. You MUST appear at the meeting of creditors. Your attorney will appear with you at the meeting.

Can creditors ask to have their debt held non-dischargeable?

Yes. Creditors have a right to complain if they believe there is a good reason. (Example: getting a large cash advance on a credit card the day before filing would likely be deemed non-dischargeable, and maybe even fraud)

What is a Reaffirmation Agreement?

If you are making payments on items, (like a car, furniture, computer) these are considered "secured" by that property. This simply means they can come and take it if you don't pay them. The new Bankruptcy law requires you to basically sign a new contract with the creditor you are making the installment payments to. This is called a "Reaffirmation Agreement". The problem with Reaffirmation Agreements is that you are putting yourself back on the hook for the full amount of the amount owed. Example: you owe $20,000.00 on a car that is now worth $10,000.00. If you reaffirm, and later can't make the payments, they would repossess the car and you will be on the hook for the remaining balance.

 

To avoid debt discharge in a bankruptcy action, mortgage companies and car, furniture, and appliance financiers typically want the debtor to sign a document known as a Reaffirmation Agreement. Signing this agreement results in the debtor waiving his Chapter 7 discharge and agreeing to continue to make payments as called for by the original loan documents.

 

You should consult your attorney before making any decisions regarding reaffirmation.

What are exemptions?

The word exempt means: "released from, or not subject to, an obligation, liability, etc." (Ref: Dictionary.com) When you file Chapter 7 you are giving permission to the Trustee to sell things that you can NOT exempt. (Examples are: the new Jaguar that is paid for, the Lear jet, or the $10,000.00 antique hutch you inherited from grandma). For most debtors in California the exemptions cover everything, so there is nothing left for the Trustee to take and sell.

 

If you are concerned about your assets, and what CAN be exempted, call for an appointment with one of our attorneys to determine your rights.

What is redemption?

In Chapter 7, if an asset is exempt, it can be purchased from the creditor by paying what it is worth NOW in a lump sum (not payments). The balance of the debt will be discharged. An example would be a computer that has gone down in value at the time of bankruptcy to $700 and the balance of the debt owed on the computer is $2,000. The computer can be redeemed for $700 and the $1,300 difference is discharged. The process requires filing a motion with the court, and should be discussed with your attorney.

Can the trustee or a creditor object to my Chapter 7 discharge?

Yes. Objection to discharge comes under federal law. If someone with standing objects and the court sustains the objection, all of the debts owed by the debtor can never be discharged in bankruptcy. This issue generally comes into play where the debtor has transferred an asset within two years (or 4 years under California Law) of filing bankruptcy with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud creditors or hide it from the Chapter 7 trustee. This can also happen if the debtor is unable to explain a reduction in assets just prior to bankruptcy.

 

If you are concerned about this you should discuss it with a competent Bankruptcy Attorney prior to filing.

If the Trustee does take something, is it possible to buy it back?

The Trustee's job is to turn non-exempt property into cash, which is then distributed to the creditors that file claims. Normally a value will be placed upon the property, or can be negotiated with the Trustee. If you can come up with an amount that is reasonable it IS possible to buy the item back from the Trustee.

Can one spouse file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy without the other spouse filing?

Yes. Sometimes it is a good idea because one spouse can then maintain their good credit score. All of these possibilities can be explored in the initial consultation. When your ready, make an appointment.

What happens if I come into a lot of money after filing for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

If there is a windfall of income, (you win the lottery, or your rich uncle dies and leaves you his fortune) within 180 days of filing your case you MUST inform the Trustee and it may be made available to creditors. If you anticipate an inheritance in the near future, you should discuss the situation with your attorney.

If I filed a Chapter 7 in the past, how long before I am eligible to file another Chapter 7?

You can not file again and receive a discharge for 8 years and a day.

Are creditors constantly calling?

If creditors are blowing up your phone, bankruptcy will stop that.