|
7 Steps to a Fresh Start After Bankruptcy
*Taxes and tax liens
*Student loans
*Domestic support obligations (including child support and alimony)
*Luxury goods over $500 purchased within 90 days of filing
*Fines or penalties of government agencies
*Cash advances of more than $750 taken within 70 days of filing
*Fraudulent debts
*Willful or malicious injury to another
*Death or personal injury from the operation of a motor vehicle, aircraft or vessel while intoxicated – i.e., injury due
*Debts not listed on your schedules (That is why it is important to disclose all dischargeable debts upon filing).
Step #2: Get an attorney.
While the law on Chapter 7 bankruptcy does not require individual consumers to hire an attorney who would represent them in court, it is still advisable to ask for legal help, especially concerning critical decisions involved in bankruptcy.
Here are some helpful hints to aid you in choosing the right legal representation:
Experience is an important consideration.
An experienced bankruptcy attorney understands the many intricate details involved in bankruptcy proceedings and will be able to assist you in dealing with the finer aspects of bankruptcy law, such as local rules, the Trustees’ preferences, the local judge’s rulings, and how to work with the local creditor attorneys.
Hire a reputable bankruptcy attorney.
This does not only mean an attorney who has a record of success but also someone who has earned the respect of his colleagues. Remember that bankruptcy will impact your future in more ways than you can count. Hiring an attorney with a good record of successful filings only makes sense.
Choose an attorney with reasonable fees.
Money, of course, is an important issue. Perhaps, even more so. Attorney fees run the table from affordable to cost-prohibitive. Be sure to choose an attorney who charges fair and reasonable fees and provides you with a flexible payment plan.
Choose an attorney who is willing to answer questions.
You may have questions that you want to ask. You want to understand more about the bankruptcy process. There is no better person who can answer these questions than your attorney. That is why his receptiveness to such questions is an important consideration.
Once you have chosen your legal representation, time for you to move on to step 3 of the process.
**NOTE: NOLO.com has recently put out an excellent book with a step-by-step guide through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It is called "How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy" by Attorney Stephen R. Elias, Attorney Albin Renauer & Attorney Robin Leonard. While this is no replacement for advice from a legal practitioner, for $25 it is worth checking out. | 
