How To File Bankruptcy

Getting Started

Step 1: Free Consultation

To begin, call our office or send an email to request a free in-office or phone consultation. Most appointments are scheduled within the next few days. During your free consultation, we will discuss your issues, what services our firm can offer to resolve your problems and the cost and fees associated with our services. The initial consultation is the first and most important step when you want to file bankruptcy. For your convenience, we have offices located in Jacksonville.

Step 2: Providing Information

A packet will be given to you during the consultation for you to take home and fill out. Packets can be e-mailed or faxed if you prefer a phone consultation. The packet requests all of the information necessary to prepare your case and provides a list of mandatory documents that must be returned to our office. Once completed, clients can call for a second appointment to review their packet or simply drop off the packet at our front desk. Fees should be paid at this time. A third and final appointment can be set at this time to finalize your case.

Step 3: Completing a Credit Counseling Course

Under the new bankruptcy law, you will not be allowed to file bankruptcy unless you have received a credit counseling session from an approved nonprofit credit counseling agency. Once completed, a certificate is faxed or e-mailed by the agency to our office. Most clients complete this course over the phone or on the Internet in under an hour. After filing bankruptcy, an additional credit counseling session will also be required to complete your bankruptcy.

Step 4: Signing Your Bankruptcy Petition and Filing Your Case

At your third and final appointment, the official bankruptcy forms, also called the petition, will be reviewed and signed. You will be instructed and prepared for what happens after filing bankruptcy. As long as all the information has been provided, the petition will be submitted electronically to the court shortly after this meeting, and a case number will be provided to the client via telephone. Official documents will be mailed within a few days from the court.

NOTE: In emergency situations, such as foreclosures, repossessions, and garnishments, cases can be filed at the first appointment.