1) What do I do if creditors call me?
If creditors call you and you have at least paid $250.00 down as a retainer you should tell the creditor that you are going to file for bankruptcy, give him my name and telephone number.  You should then get off the phone.  Do not argue with your creditors.  The one exception is if you are behind with your payments on a car and you want to keep the car.  In this case do not tell the creditor that you are filing for bankruptcy, as he will try to repossess the car.  If he repossesses the car before you file the case and he receives a copy of the notice of case commencement (which is sent to him by the court) he is able to keep the car.

2) When do I need to pay the balance of the bankruptcy fees?
(For clients who make a deposit on their case)  You can pay the balance at your convenience, usually up to 6 months. 

 3) What do I do with the statements and invoices that I receive from my creditors?
You may disregard the statements.  Many times it takes a while for the given creditor to update its computer files to show that you have filed your case.

4) Should I continue to pay my bills?
No! No! No!  As you are filing for bankruptcy you should not pay your creditors.  For example, it makes no difference if you are filing on $20,000.00 or $18,000.00.  The effects are the same.  Thus, do not pay your creditors anything from this point forward.  The only exceptions concern secured creditors (those creditors who hold security for their debt e.g. car and home loans) and the creditors to whom you pay your day-to-day expenses e.g. rent, utility bills, food etc.

5) Are bounced checks dischargeable in the bankruptcy?
No.  The district attorney can try to collect on a bounced check regardless if you have filed for bankruptcy.  However, many times the creditors, once they have learned you have filed for bankruptcy, simply do not pursue the matter with the district attorney.

6) Will My Name Be In The Paper?
No.  Your name will not be in the paper.  It is highly unlikely anyone would ever learn of this case unless you tell them.  We never disclose that you have filed for bankruptcy (except to creditors who call my office to verify that you have retained my office)!