Petition To File For Bankruptcy…..
“Bankruptcy Is Not Just About Filling Out Forms And Collecting Your Fee”
Unfortunately, there are many out there who would imply that it is just that. Some websites will have you “call around and ask the attorney to see if that attorney’s fees are cheaper. Some sites state that, with the correct “form,” you can determine whether you qualify for a chapter 7 case. If the price is your only consideration, to quote an old adage that “you get what you pay for“, you may be destined for trouble.
Sometimes, it is not about “completing forms” but knowing the legal importance of those forms and the impact of bankruptcy on YOU. Often, completing the forms and attending the creditors’ meeting is the easy part. Knowing and advising you appropriately is the hard part and that is what you are paying your attorney to do.
In one example, a lady used a form provider and she filed bankruptcy by herself. Because she was concerned that her house was “paid for” and she did not want the trustee to get the house so she “deeded” it over to her son. The trustee found out and commenced a “fraudulent transfer” action to recover the house to sell it to pay her creditors. If only she had consulted with an attorney.
Bankruptcy is not about filling out a few forms and collecting a fee. It is about the knowledge and experience that goes into knowing how, why, and when to complete those forms and file them that justifies the fee.
Carolyn Secor is a Clearwater bankruptcy attorney and Clearwater foreclosure attorney serving Palm Harbor, New Port Richey, Oldsmar, Tarpon Springs, Seminole, St. Petersburg, and the Tampa Bay area.
If you would like more information on our practice, please consult our website at www.bankruptcyfortampa.com or call 727-254-1704.