What to expect from the Law Firm of Robert Peters

What Happens after I hire you as my attorney?

If you hire my law firm to represent you in a bankruptcy, we will aggressively represent you. We will evaluate every aspect of your case to ensure that you get the best outcome under the circumstances. Here’s what you can expect:

Retainer Agreement—the first thing you will do is sign a retainer agreement. The retainer agreement specifically sets forth the terms of our representation of you in writing. Think of the retainer agreement as our promise of loyalty to you and our commitment to represent you in a professional, courteous, and zealous fashion.

Interview/Case Evaluation—we will conduct an extensive interview with you to get a firm grasp of your situation. No two people, circumstances or bankruptcies are the same. Therefore, it is essential that we evaluate each case individually to ensure that we address and prepare for any unique issues or circumstances that may arise.

Review of Documentation—we will provide you with a detailed list of the documentation that we will need to prepare your petition. Once you provide us with that documentation, we will go over it with a fine-tooth comb. When necessary, we will obtain copies of legal documents, such as judgments, divorce decrees, and other liens. We will need your cooperation here so we expect you to do your part.

Pre-bankruptcy Counseling—we will assist you in obtaining the pre-bankruptcy counseling required.

Analysis of Legal Issues—we will analyze the legal issues of your case, including exemptions, validity of liens, and any factors that may affect your ability to obtain a discharge.

Draft the Petition—we will draft your bankruptcy petition, schedules, and other documents required to be filed by law.

Review the Petition—we will meet with you and go over your petition page by page to make sure that all of your assets and liabilities are properly listed and to ensure that all other information contained in the petition is accurate.

File Petition—we will file your petition with the court and ensure that each of your creditors receives notice of the filing.

Serve Chapter 13 Plan—if you’re filing a Chapter 13 case, we will make sure that each of your creditors is properly served with a copy of the Chapter 13 plan.

Pending Litigation—if any of your creditors has commenced a lawsuit against you, has begun foreclosure proceedings, or threatened repossession; we will provide them with a Notice of Bankruptcy Filing immediately after your petition is filed. Additionally, we will file the appropriate Notice of Bankruptcy in the courts in which litigation against you is pending.

Meeting of Creditors—we will prepare you for and attend the meeting of creditors with you.

Pre-discharge Counseling—we will assist you in completing the personal financial management course necessary to obtain a discharge.

Trustee and Creditor Objections—if the bankruptcy trustee or any of your creditors files an objection we will work aggressively to cure the objection.

Chapter 13 Confirmation Hearing—we will prepare you for and attend the confirmation hearing with you. We will make sure that any documentation required by the trustee to confirm your plan passes muster.

Defense of Actions by Creditors—if any of your creditors files a motion, complaint to determine discharge ability, or other action against you; we will thoroughly review the pleading, discuss it with you, and formulate a plan of action to defend against it.

Review of Proofs of Claim—we will thoroughly review each proof of claim filed by your creditors and, where necessary, file the appropriate objection. After the deadline to file proofs of claim has expired, we will file the necessary notice with the court to prevent any late filed proofs of claim from being included in your bankruptcy case.

Reaffirmation of Debts—we will discuss with you each of your debts to ascertain whether it would be in your best interest to reaffirm. If you decide to reaffirm any of your debts, We will review the reaffirmation agreement with you before you sign it, and appear at any hearing arising from your desire to reaffirm.

Lien Avoidance—we will analyze any liens against your personal or real property and, where warranted, file a Motion to Avoid Lien.

Final Case Review—we will review your case to make sure you have satisfied all requirements necessary for discharge.

Miscellaneous—we will evaluate any miscellaneous matters as they arise and will file the appropriate motions to address them.

Keep in mind that each case is different. Therefore, every one of the above steps may not be necessary in your case