Todd Courser and Associates

Many people hate the idea of going to an attorney and are more nervous about dealing with the attorney than they are about filing for bankruptcy protection. Unfortunately, attorneys have a reputation of not doing what they say they will.  Sometimes, they don’t even explain the whole process or costs to the client.

If you are in the situation of needing bankruptcy counsel, or any counsel for that matter, it’s best to get a referral from someone you know and then do some amount of interviewing of the prospective attorney in an initial consultation. If the attorney doesn’t explain the process, the costs, and the time frame that the process will take, then simply look elsewhere for someone to help with your problem.

I am as open and upfront on the process and cost as I can be, because if  you are a person in dire straights and need bankruptcy counsel, then you need clear answers to your questions and clear expectations on the process that will happen. I will state my costs here to simply give you an idea of what should be paid. I am not the cheapest, by any means, but I’m also not the most expensive.  We attempt to charge enough to do a great job for our clients using our trained staff, who can put time into doing and explaining the process. Just like in other areas of life, most times you get what you pay for. I quote my price for a single bankruptcy Chapter 7 filer as being $1,500 in total, which includes the court filing fees, the credit counseling fees, and the credit reporting fees (these fees total almost $400 and are included in my pricing). If  the client is filing a joint Chapter 7 bankruptcy with their spouse, then the charge in total is $1,750, with once again, the credit counseling and reporting fees and the court filing fees included.  I understand that although I’ve gone through this process many times, it is most likely your first time, so I try to treat this part of the relationship as open and as clearly as I can and explain the cost as if I were the person going through the bankruptcy.

Call my office to set up your consultation today.   Todd Courser 810-245-0813

If you attain the correct counsel, your bankruptcy filing should go off without a hitch.  If you show your attorney all your documents which are required before, during and after the petition is filed, you should have no problem.  However, once in awhile, a file will be “selected at random” for an audit.  This is normally done by an outside firm hired to look deeper into the issues involved in your case and to confirm the details of your case.  This is always hard for clients given they have to defend themselves, after they think the bankruptcy is almost over.  This firm checks all your documents, the questionnaire you filled out, and the petition that you signed that was submitted to the court.  I believe that this isn’t “really” random but related to a client’s “recorded life.”  What I mean by this is that when a person has a complicated life with lots of movement, many deeds on real estate, and lots of titles on vehicles, it seems that these clients are more likely to be “drawn at random.”  It is best to disclose everything to your attorney and try to handle all of these issues on the front end.  If you allow your attorney to confirm that the proper steps were taken to transfer property or vehicles and verify that items are no longer owned, you may avoid a costly second round of administrative nightmares.

If you are the subject of further review by the bankruptcy court and feel you need new counsel, please call my office to set up a consultation immediately.

Todd Courser 810-245-0813

Most people who come to file a bankruptcy have tried the same steps to eliminate their debt, tightened their budget, tried to generate more income, attempted to refinance, and cashed out their retirement savings.  Once they have exhausted those options to no avail, they need to seek out the advice of an attorney who is able to adequately counsel them on the options of filing for bankruptcy.  Most people will either file a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13.  A Chapter 7 filing allows for the discharge or elimination of most debts.  A Chapter 13 filing is a debt repayment plan that is submitted to the court for approval.  In a Chapter 13 the debtors and the creditors agree on terms to repay the debt.  In most cases only a portion of the debt will need to be repaid.

Both types of filings have qualifications and restrictions.  An attorney, who actively practices in this area will be able to help you decide which bankruptcy will be in your best interest.

Call my office to set up your consultation today.   Todd Courser 810-245-0813

Filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy usually discharges (eliminates) most debts – credit cards, installment loans, revolving lines of credit, personal guarantees, and in some very rare cases income tax and student loans. Some debts cannot be eliminated, such as child support/alimony.  An attorney can help with your questions about the debt that you can and can’t eliminate, in regards to your specific situation.

Call my office to set up your consultation today.   Todd Courser 810-245-0813

Most clients fear filing a bankruptcy due to the concern that they will loose all of their assets. In bankruptcy there are exemptions for specific dollar amounts of assets that can be kept by the debtor after the bankruptcy. There is a limited exemption for the equity in a home and other assets.  There is also an exemption that is called a “wild card” that allows for most modest asset holders to keep their personal property items and still receive the discharge of their debts through the bankruptcy.  If you are concerned about your assets, come in and let us help you through this process.

Call my office to set up your consultation today.   Todd Courser 810-245-0813

The day of the hearing (Meeting of Creditors) can be stressful.  It doesn’t have to be if you have done the proper steps, which include working with a good attorney knowledgeable in these cases and giving your attorney all the necessary documents that the Trustee will request.  We send the documents to the Trustee about two weeks in advance of the meeting, so that the Trustee can review them, leaving little left to question the day of the meeting. To reduce the stress, make sure you get to the courtroom early and have brought everything that the attorney has instructed you to bring.  You will be placed in a room that has others who are also going through bankruptcy.  You will be sworn in and asked a series of questions by the Trustee.  These questions come from the “Petition” that was filled out on your behalf earlier, which you will have reviewed and signed.  Make sure you have read through and understand the information on the petition prior to the meeting, so that you will be prepared.   The length of the meeting is usually between 10- 30 minutes.

Remember the steps:  Get your documents to your attorney as soon as requested.  Review the petition thoroughly.  Get to the meeting early.

Call my office to set up your consultation today.   Todd Courser 810-245-0813

Many bankruptcy clients would like to keep their cars.  Most finance companies usually want the debtors to keep their cars, but only if they remain current with their payments.  When filing for bankruptcy, clients will in most cases need to “reaffirm” on the loan of their car.  They will need to make sure the finance company has received this “Reaffirmation” agreement before they are discharged.  If this is not done, the debt will be discharged in the bankruptcy and the finance company will move to reclaim the car through a repossession.  So, if you want to keep your car, keep your payments current, make sure your attorney is aware that you want to keep your car, fill out the “Reaffirmation” agreement and make sure that the “Reaffirmation” agreement is filed with the finance company before discharge.

Call my office to set up your consultation today.  Todd Courser 810-245-0813