What is it with getting a summons?

[freefall]

So, if I get a summons before I can file, does that mean that I can't include that creditor in the bankruptcy when the time comes? What does it mean to get a summons?

Also, do they expect you to get a job if you've been let go from your old job? Like, what if someone just chooses not to get a job?

Any help on these questions will be greatly appreciated.

[eddiep]

You get a summons after you stop paying your creditors and they are sueing you to get payment for the unpaid debt. They will seek to garnish your wages, or place a lien on your property.

YOu can still discharge this debt in bk but you have to have the garnishment stopped or the lien stripped from your property. Just a hassel and cost you money to undo the judgement against you.

[StartingOver08]

If you get a summons just prior to filing, bring the summons to the attorney so he can include it in the BK. There is a time frame to answer the summons, usually 20 to 30 days after you have been served. If you are filing BK, then your actual BK filing is your answer. But the issue is, your attorney has to know so you and your attorney can come up with the appropriate strategy for you and the answer is timely. Sometimes just getting the summons will speed up the filing of the BK. Sometimes your attorney will 'answer' the suit to buy you more time while you are planning your BK strategy.

[freefall]

Thank you very much for the info.