In the distant past, it was possible for consumers in the Puyallup area to file for chapter 7 bankruptcy without having to hire attorneys. They could successfully file for bankruptcy with the help of paralegals or computer software programs. Unfortunately, the bankruptcy reforms that went into effect in 2005 made it nearly impossible for consumers to file for chapter 7 bankruptcy without hiring lawyers. There are many additional requirements that need to be met in order to successfully file for chapter 7 bankruptcy. That is why almost every consumer filing for chapter 7 will need to hire a bankruptcy lawyer in Puyallup WA.
It is up to the bankruptcy attorneys such as Rafal Gorski Attorney At Law to make sure that clients qualify for chapter 7 bankruptcy. There are a number of requirements that have to be met including income and asset requirements. In a few instances, it may be worthwhile for a person who qualifies for chapter 7 bankruptcy to consider filing for chapter 13 instead. For example, those that want to keep their property beyond the exempt amounts will want to consider chapter 13 bankruptcy, which may allow consumers to keep some of their non-exempt property such as real estate that is worth more than the exempt amount. Keeping non-exempt property is not an option for those filing for chapter 7. Nevertheless, most will want to stick with chapter 7 bankruptcy if they qualify since that results in the immediate discharge of most debts.
After the bankruptcy lawyer in Puyallup WA is sure that the client qualifies, he or she will make sure that all requirements are met. For example, consumers filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy need to attend a credit counseling session that is approved by the bankruptcy court. In most cases, the credit counseling session will result in the consumer being unable to repay debts without going forward with the bankruptcy. There are a number of other requirements to meet such as deciding whether to keep assets secured by loans.
Finally, the bankruptcy lawyer appears with the client for the 341 meeting of the creditors. Usually, creditors do not show up. Instead, it becomes a hearing between the bankruptcy trustee and the consumer filing for chapter 7. Having an attorney present can be very helpful in resolving any outstanding issues that may prevent the chapter 7 from being approved by the trustee.
