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THE BANKRUPTCY PROCESS

One of the first things Attorney John S. Simonian will do is stop foreclosures, automobile repossessions, harassing phone calls, threatening letters, court summons and arrest warrants for unpaid debts. This action takes place once your bankruptcy is officially filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court so you are protected during the bankruptcy process.

Filing bankruptcy is a formal, streamlined process that requires you and your legal representation to complete and submit certain requirements. Attorney Simonian reviews every step of the process with you and provides an easy reference for completing your obligations. With this 6-step process, achieving debt relief is a quick and hassle-free experience.

STEP ONE: Free Initial Consultation with Attorney Simonian
During this meeting, Attorney Simonian reviews your current financial situation and helps you decide whether filing bankruptcy is your best option. Taking your income, assets and expenses into consideration, he will recommend which type of bankruptcy meets your situation. Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates most of your debts entirely. Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to establish a payment plan with creditors so you catch up on missed mortgage payments. Attorney Simonian will also discuss his fees and other court costs associated with the process.

STEP TWO: Begin Completing the Bankruptcy Questionnaire
If you decide to retain Attorney Simonian as your bankruptcy lawyer, your next step is beginning the Bankruptcy Questionnaire. Attorney Simonian needs the Bankruptcy Questionnaire, as well as all your bill statements and recent credit report, for preparing your bankruptcy court petition. You can either wait until your next meeting with Attorney Simonian and complete the entire Bankruptcy Questionnaire under his guidance, or start completing what you can on your own. Feel free to leave questions you are not sure of unanswered until you meet with Attorney Simonian.

STEP THREE: Obtain a Credit Counseling Certificate
While Attorney Simonian prepares your bankruptcy filing, your completion of the Credit Counseling course is required before your case can be filed. Attorney Simonian will let you know when it’s time to take the course. He will provide you with a list of court approved credit counseling agencies. You can take the course online, in person, or by telephone. Once you receive your course completion certificate, be sure Attorney Simonian receives a copy.

STEP FOUR: Your Bankruptcy Petition Is Filed
Once Attorney Simonian files your bankruptcy petition, he will send you a copy of it. Review it carefully, making sure all your creditors are listed. In the same mailing, he will send you the date for your bankruptcy trustee meeting (Meeting of Creditors) and details on what to expect during the meeting. Once your bankruptcy petition is filed, an automatic stay goes into effect prohibiting creditors from collecting the debt. Debtors are required by law to stop all phone calls, letters, lawsuits, foreclosures, wage garnishments and repossessions.

STEP FIVE: Complete the Personal Financial Management Course
Before your bankruptcy case is discharged, thus relieving you of your debt, you need to complete the Personal Financial Management course. Attorney Simonian will provide you with a list of court approved course providers. You can take the course online, in person, or by telephone. Provide Attorney Simonian with a copy of your course completion certificate prior to your meeting with the bankruptcy trustee (Meeting of Creditors).

STEP SIX: Attend the Meeting of Creditors
You will receive a notice in the mail from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court advising you of the date, time and location for your Meeting of Creditors. For Rhode Island residents, the meeting is held in a conference room in The Federal Center building, 380 Westminster St., Providence. For Massachusetts residents, the location is based on where you live, so Attorney Simonian will advise you of the location. The Meeting of Creditors is attended by you, Attorney Simonian and the trustee assigned by the bankruptcy court. Although your creditors are notified of this hearing, they rarely attend. The trustee will review your filing and ask questions that verify your financial situation. In most cases, your bankruptcy debt is discharged or your payment plan approved without any further bankruptcy trustee meetings or appearances before a judge.