Frequently Asked Questions —
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

• What is bankruptcy?
• What are the different types of bankruptcy?
• What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Results of Bankruptcy

• What debts are not discharged in bankruptcy?
• Will a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge the debt for bad checks?
• Will a bankruptcy remove a lien?
• Does filing bankruptcy discharge debts that others have co-signed with me?
• Will I lose my car, home, or other valuable personal property?
• Will I lose my retirement if I file bankruptcy?
• Will I lose any inheritance money that is owed to me?
• What if I am on a joint account or on the deed to real estate with someone else purely for the purposes of estate planning and have not contributed any money to the account or any money for the fractional interest in the real estate? Will the Bankruptcy Court say that I own part of those assets and try to take them?
• Can I get out of debt in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy that I have been ordered to pay in a dissolution proceeding?

Evaluating Bankruptcy

• Who can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
• If I am married, can I file bankruptcy by myself and not include my spouse?
• Are there situations in which you cannot file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
• Can I file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to delay a creditor?
• How do I know if I should be thinking about a Chapter 7? What are the indications?

Duration of Bankruptcy

• How long does it take to be discharged once the petition is filed?
• Why would the entry of the discharge order be delayed?
• Is my case over once the discharge order is entered?

The Process for Declaring Bankruptcy

• Can I transfer assets to someone else prior to filing and get them out of my name so that they are not my assets when I go to file bankruptcy with the court?
• When and how are the creditors notified of the bankruptcy filing?
• Do I have to disclose all of my debts?
• What if I forget to list a debt?
• Do I have to disclose all of my assets?
• Will my employer or landlord be notified of the bankruptcy filing?
• Can I keep some of my credit cards?
• Will I go to court?
• What happens if I am physically unable to attend the 341 meeting of creditors?
• What if I miss the originally scheduled 341 meeting?
• What if I do not want my house or car loan creditors notified of the bankruptcy?
• Do I have to schedule my credit union?
• If I have a loan against my 401(k), does my employer have to be notified of the filing?

Discrimination Due to Bankruptcy

• Can an employer fire me for filing bankruptcy?
• Can I be discriminated against in other areas if I file Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
• Which is better on my credit report: Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?

Rebuilding Credit After Bankruptcy

• How long after filing a Chapter 7 will I be able to get a car loan?
• How long after filing a Chapter 7 will I be able to get a house loan?
• How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit?
• If I am married and I file individually, will the filing affect my non-filing spouse's credit?

Getting Started

• What are your fees for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and how are the fees paid?
• How do I start the process of filing with Debt Relief Center, P.C.?
• What should I do to prepare for filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy?