Getting up to speed "pro se"

[larry13]

My idiot of a lawyer backed out after I got upset at him for ignoring me and yelled over the phone. He actually petitioned the court to let him "resign."

Now I'm running my own show. There isn't much going on, but can anybody point me to resources or information to prepare me in case something does come up?

Many thanks in advance and sorry if there is another thread on this--but I didn't see it.

[newbie2]

From your earlier posts it seems you are less than 1 year away from being done. I would sign up for PACER (if you haven't already done so) in order to keep on top of filings as they happen. Also, you may want to go to your local bk courts website (or in person) to find information on what happens during the discharge /closing process in your district so you can see the timelines and such. Good luck to you.

[justbroke]

I would post questions in the Pro Se area of BKForum. That is where we pro se debtors hang out and help one another.

Shutting down a Chapter 13 is an intricate process and you really need to start preparing to spin it down. There are many things that do not happen automatically, and that includes the cessation of wage deductions and an actual discharge!

[larry13]

Thanks for the tip about PACER. I didn't know about it. I have a little more time than 1 year... my last payment is July 2012 or thereabouts.

Does anyody know how much it'll cost me to hire a lawyer to represent me for the dischage. It should be simple--there are no payroll deductions, just a monthly ACH payment.

[justbroke]

Many attorney won't jump in last minute. You may be able to pay one at the hourly rate ($150-$250/hour) to help you spin it down.

[woeisme]

Don't forget to do your post-petition financial management class, if you haven't already. Good job on getting through your CH 13, I'd be really upset if I had to do the paperwork at the end without the lawyer.

[larry13]

I completed a financial management class online when I filed. It was required to proceed any further. Is there another one?

[Pandora]

I completed a financial management class online when I filed. It was required to proceed any further. Is there another one?

Yes.....its the final course you must take in order to receive your discharge; if you dont do it (takes about 2 hours) then your 13 will be for nothing. Make sure you mail a copy to your trustee (get tracking on it) as well as keep a copy on file (hardcopy) & on your computer so you can prove you did it. We did ours & received our copy here, however our lawyer never received his copy even though we put his email addy in.