Chapter 7 Debtor Responsibilities
After your case is filed, you and your attorney have responsibilities to ensure that your case proceeds quickly and efficiently, and that you receive your bankruptcy discharge. Your responsibilities include:
- Keeping your attorney informed of any changes to your income;
- Keeping your attorney informed of any creditor actions, including: letters or telephone calls, lawsuits, foreclosures, repossessions, seizures, wage garnishments, liens, or levies on assets during your case;
- Informing your attorney immediately if you learn of any inheritance to which the you are entitled or may be entitled;
- Cooperate with your attorney in preparing any motion or objection in the bankruptcy case. This may include providing information or your signature;
- Your timely response to the bankruptcy trustee’s request for information, including tax returns, financial statements, or access to property for inspection;
- Appear punctually at the meeting of creditors with recent proof of income, a government-issued photo identification card, proof of social security number, and copies of all financial account statements covering the date the bankruptcy petition was filed;
- Prior discussion with your attorney before buying, refinancing, or contracting to sell real property and before entering into any loan agreement until you receive your discharge;
- Keeping your attorney and the bankruptcy court informed of your current address and telephone number; and
- Complete an approved debtor education course and provide the certificate of attendance to your attorney for filing.
As you can see, communication with your attorney is very important to the success of your bankruptcy case. Essentially, it is your responsibility to inform your attorney, and your attorney’s responsibility to guide your case to the best possible result. Together, the two of you can restructure your finances and achieve a fresh start.
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