When you call Brand & Spellman to set an appointment, we will ask you a series of short questions designed to extract key information from you that will help us prepare for our initial consultation by discerning what information and/or documents you need to bring with you to our initial client meeting.
The initial client meeting, which will take approximately 30 minutes, is absolutely free of charge and there is no obligation or pressure to retain our services.
The purpose of the meeting is to analyze your financial situation, explain the bankruptcy process to you, and determine if filing for bankruptcy is in your best interest - legally, financially, and emotionally.
If we recommend bankruptcy, you will be quoted a flat-fee price that includes attorney fees, court filing fees, and due diligence costs.
If you chose to file bankruptcy with our firm, we will send you home with a detailed questionnaire that will ensure we have all the information necessary to file a complete, accurate, and truthful bankruptcy so you can begin the fresh start you deserve.
After completing this questionnaire and returning it to our office with all the information and documents that we have requested, Brand & Spellman will begin preparing your case for filing. We may contact you from time to time to request additional information and/or documents.
Once we are ready to file your case, we will set up another appointment so that we can review your petition, schedules, and statements with you, have you sign filing documents, answer any questions you may have.
Once your case is filed, in most cases, all lawsuits, garnishments, account levies, repossessions, foreclosures, and collection efforts by your creditors will stop (the "automatic stay"). If you have any secured property, however (such as a financed car or home), this "stay" will only last a short while - and you will be required to continue monthly payments on these items if you intend to keep them.
Approximately one month after we file your case, you will be required to attend a short meeting called the "First Meeting of Creditors" held by a trustee (not a judge) who will ask you questions under oath about your bankruptcy documents. An attorney from Brand & Spellman will be there with you - and you can rest assured that your bankruptcy will run as smoothly as possible.
What happens next depends on the chapter of bankruptcy you filed, and any unique facts or circumstances of your case. However, for most people this will be the one and only appearance you will be required to attend - and you will receive your bankruptcy discharge approximately 60 days after the First Meeting of Creditors.
If you have any questions, please contact Brand & Spellman. While we will try to answer all questions over the phone, some questions can only be answered after a thorough analysis of your case at an initial client meeting. There is no obligation, so call us today!
