Bankruptcy Process,

The following is typically what you could expect from start to finish when filing for bankruptcy in Massachusetts.

Typically, the bankruptcy process starts with a telephone call from you to our office to speak with a bankruptcy lawyer. During this initial telephone call, we will ask you a few brief questions and get a general idea of how we can help you.

The next step would be to meet with you for a free attorney bankruptcy consultation. At this time we will try to find out your goals in filing for bankruptcy, whether it is simply to get out from under oppressive debt or to save your home from foreclosure or a combination of both. Bassically, we, as an objective bankruptcy lawyer, want to find out how to best get you a fresh start financially.

At the first consultation, we will also analyze your personal propery, income, expenses, real estate issues and financial affairs so that we can "protect" you personal property and real estate and determine if a chapter 7 bankuptcy or chapter 13 bankruptcy is best suited to get you a fresh start and what is in your best interest.

Before filing a bankruptcy in Massachusetts you must first complete a "credit counseling course" and receive a certificate or completion. This is a fairly easy process and fairly easy to complete. It can be done at your convenience and in the comfort of your own home. Typically, it takes about an hour or less and can be done over the telephone or by internet. You do not have to sit through lengthy class room lectures or prepare for it in any way. In fact, most of our clients enjoy the credit counseling and find it to be very helpful. It is nothing to worry about and we can assist you in finding an approved credit counseling agency for a Massachusetts bankruptcy filing.

After that, the bankruptcy lawyer prepares a bankruptcy petition to be submitted and filed with the United States Bankruptcy Court District of Massachusetts. The Bankruptcy Court then schedules what we refer to as a "341 Hearing." This is usually the only time you have to appear in front of anyone. There is no need to be nervous or worried about this meeting. You do not go in front of a judge and you do not go into a court room. This is a somewhat informal meeting where you typically sit down at a small table with your bankruptcy lawyer and the bankruptcy trustee. Your creditors typically do not show up at this hearing. At this meeting you are asked about 10 questions and typically nothing your bankruptcy lawyer did not ask you before in his office and usually the same questions you were asked by your bankruptcy attorney before the bankruptcy petition was filed. Again, your bankruptcy attorney will be sitting right next to you at this hearing and you will not be there alone.

That is nearly the end of the process. You do have to complete a second credit counseling class called "Debtor Education" after the banckruptcy case is filed, but not later than 45 days after your hearing. Again, this is a fairly simple process and can be completed in about an hour or less either by telephone or by internet and in the comfort of your own own home and at your convenience. You do not have to sit through any lengthy classroom lectures or prepare for it in any way. It is nothing to be worried or concerned about and we would be glad to assist you in finding an approved financial management training agency and approved debtor education agency for a Massachusetts bankruptcy case.

Usually, this is all there is to be expected when filing for bankruptcy in Massachusetts. Your bankruptcy attorney does most of the work and will guide you at every step in the process. Once everything is competed, you can usually expect to receive your bankrutcy discharge approximately 60 days after the hearing date. This "Discharge" means that you have been discharged from your debts and are no longer required to pay your dischargeable debts.

We take pride in offering individual attention to our clients. We are always available to answer your questions and concerns and to assist you at every step of the process, from the very beginning right to the very end. You do not go through this alone, we are always there for you when you need us. Filing for bankruptcy does not have to be an embarrassing and lonely process where you feel ashamed, guilty or depressed. Rather, you should be looking forward to your fresh start and your new beginning and we are here to help you with this.

In Massachusetts, contact: Anthony Bucacci or Robert Simonian.

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