Careful preparation is essential when it comes to filing a bankruptcy petition to avoid dismissal. In fact, statistics indicate that nearly 95% of people seek the assistance of a bankruptcy attorney to navigate this complicated process. Attorney William T. Shaffer is committed to providing his clients with clear and concise guidance throughout the entire bankruptcy process. If you reside in Pensacola, Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Crestview, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Defuniak Springs, Panama City, Tallahassee, or any of the surrounding areas, you can rely on the expertise of Attorney William Shaffer. With over 30 years of experience serving the Gulf Coast of Florida, he is well-equipped to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your financial future. Don't hesitate to call (850) 398-5187 to speak to the best bankruptcy attorney near you.
Initial Consultation: The first step in filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is to meet with a bankruptcy attorney for an initial consultation. During this meeting, you will discuss your financial situation, your goals for filing bankruptcy, and whether Chapter 7 is the right option for you. Your attorney will also explain the bankruptcy process, what to expect, and answer any questions you may have.
Pre-Filing Requirements: After deciding to move forward with Chapter 7 bankruptcy, your attorney will begin to gather information about your financial situation, including income, assets, debts, and expenses. They will also help you complete credit counseling, which is a requirement for all bankruptcy filers.
Filing the Petition: Once all the necessary information is gathered, your attorney will file your Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition with the bankruptcy court. This officially starts the bankruptcy process and puts an automatic stay in place, which stops all collection actions by creditors.
341 Meeting of Creditors: Approximately 4-6 weeks after filing your petition, you will attend the 341 Meeting of Creditors. This is a meeting between you, your attorney, the bankruptcy trustee, and any creditors who wish to attend. Your attorney will help you prepare for this meeting and will be there with you to answer any questions that may arise.
Bankruptcy Trustee Review: After the 341 Meeting of Creditors, the bankruptcy trustee will review your case to ensure that all the information in your petition is accurate and complete. If there are any issues or concerns, your attorney will work with you to address them.
Discharge: Once the bankruptcy trustee has completed their review and there are no objections, you will receive your bankruptcy discharge. This typically happens about 3-4 months after filing your petition. At this point, most of your debts will be eliminated, and you can start rebuilding your credit.
While the timeline for filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida can vary depending on the specifics of your case, the steps outlined above provide a general overview of what to expect. With the help of Attorney William T. Shaffer, you can navigate this process with confidence and achieve the fresh start you need.
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