subject: CC Brown Law – Tips to Avoid Stress at Your Bankruptcy Hearing [print this page] CC Brown Law Tips to Avoid Stress at Your Bankruptcy Hearing
If you confront bankruptcy in the future, probably you will be little nervous and frightened. And you may be very uncomfortable with the concept of going to a federal courthouse to discuss your personal financial problems with some unknown official. You may wish to know what can expect, and probably you wonder how bad it will really be. Knowing little about the Bankruptcy process and what it can and cannot do for you will help calm your nerves. The real fact is that you are not alone, thousands of hardworking and honest people just like you have made the difficult decision to file a bankruptcy. Because of the large number of cases filed, your case will not likely attract any particular attention. If you file a bankruptcy case under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, however, that is what you will have to do.
You must go to the court. This is not a typical court case, you are not going to stand before a judge to receive a sentence. Rather, this hearing will give an opportunity to your creditors to get some of the money that you owe. You will be asked questions under oath by your trustee. These questions are about your assets, and the main objective of this process is to determine whether you have been truthful when listing your assets, while showing that you do not have enough money to repay your debts. You will probably find that your creditors will not come to the meeting, but they can, and they can ask you questions.
Always try to be more relaxed and do better, however, if you know what to expect. Most consumer debtors will be called upon to appear at one or two hearings. Here we have given a clear picture about what to expect and what to do when you are told to come to Court for a Bankruptcy hearing. Below guidelines are applicable to all hearings you might have to attend,
Arrive on time:
If your hearing is scheduled for 11:00 A.M, be there at 10:30. If you are late, everyone will be unhappy with you and bad things could happen including the loss of your car, your home or even your entire case. If you need directions, call the day before. Know where in the Courthouse you need to be. If you arrive early you will have time to discuss any last minute matters with your attorney and you will get a chance to watch one or more hearings prior to yours being called.
Stay in contact with your attorney:
In some cases, your attorney may be able to resolve a problem with your case prior to the hearing. Make sure to keep in touch with your attorney starting a day or two prior to your hearing and that you are available by phone.
Don't Bring a Cellphone to the Courthouse:
The guards will not let you past the metal detector if you do. And never bring anything illegal such as weapons, pocket knives, mace or pepper spray.
Wear benignant clothes:
Avoid blue jeans and T-shirts if possible.
Avoid bringing children if possible:
If you have no choice, bring someone else to take care of the kids when you are called to testify.
You SHOULD attend your hearing. Failure to appear at even one hearing might be a ground for dismissal of your case.
