Filing Bankruptcy in Orange County
Filing bankruptcy can seem complicated, but with proper planning and a good Orange County bankruptcy attorney, it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a general guide down to the Orange County bankruptcy filing process to help you start out right.
Legal Consultation
An initial consultation with your attorney will help you figure out how to go about your Orange County bankruptcy filing. They will determine whether Orange County bankruptc y filing is really your best option, which chapter works best for you, and what approach to use.
The Means Test
The means test, developed under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA), is a way for the court to see if you are eligible for help. Your lawyer can help you complete this part of the Orange County bankruptcy filing process.
Automatic Stay
The automatic stay rule is in effect as soon as the Orange County bankruptcy filing has started. This will keep your creditors from contacting or harassing you—any communication will be done through your lawyer.
341 Meeting
You and your creditors will then be notified of a date for the 341 meeting, named after the Bankruptcy Code section it appears in. Here, the trustee ensures that the assets and liabilities you have declared are true, whether or not you have assets that can be liquidated (if applicable), and that all parties agree to the Orange County bankruptcy filing. Your lawyer can help you prepare for this meeting.
Discharge of Debt
Within 60 days of the creditors’ meeting, if no lawsuits or complaints are filed and you filed for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you will receive a notice of discharge of debt. If your Orange County bankruptcy filing is under Chapter 13, you will be discharged after you complete the repayment plan.