Bankruptcy horror stories (Part 2): Bankruptcy can be a disaster if…

Victoria Maydanik Life advice from bankruptcy attorney Leave a Comment

I recently talked about various negative outcomes of failing to seek qualified and experienced attorney help and representing yourself in bankruptcy (with or without help of bankruptcy preparers) or retaining attorneys who do not focus their practice on bankruptcy law. In this post I will continue discussing various bankruptcy pitfall ...
Mistakes people make when filing bankruptcy

Bankruptcy horror stories (Part 1): Bankruptcy can be a disaster if…

Victoria Maydanik Life advice from bankruptcy attorney 1 Comment

We have previously talked about bankruptcy success stories. But can the outcome of filing bankruptcy be disastrous? Yes, it can be - and usually the culprit is bad legal advice, or lack of advice.   * Just yesterday, "Kim" attended her 341 Meeting of Creditors. Kim, an elderly woman whose ...
Bankruptcy trustee meeting

21 things NOT to do at the 341 Meeting of Creditors

Victoria Maydanik 341 Bankruptcy Meeting 3 Comments

If you file a bankruptcy petition, you will normally be required to attend one court meeting, called 341 Meeting of Creditors.  This meeting is a very important step to getting your debts discharged. 341 Meeting is brief and fairly informal, and usually boils down to answering some standard straightforward questions posed by …

Bankruptcy Success Story: David and Maria

Victoria Maydanik Life advice from bankruptcy attorney Leave a Comment

David* and Maria*, a couple in San Jose, California found out first hand just what a powerful and positive solution filing bankruptcy can be. David and Maria have been married for over 20 years and have three teenage daughters.  They have a small business, offering gardening and landscaping services.  When …

Do you have to go to court and see the judge if you file bankruptcy?

Victoria Maydanik California bankruptcy Leave a Comment

Usually, no. In most cases, the only court meeting you have to attend is the Meeting of Creditors, which is conducted by the bankruptcy trustee.  The judge is not present, and the meeting is normally held in a conference room in a federal building, not a courtroom. Your bankruptcy attorney …