I had my 341 meeting(Chapter 7), and I happened to be part of the last group to go, which meant I stayed there for about 2 and a half hours. However I did get a chance to listen to just about every case and out of roughly 100 cases, only about 3-4 had any issues. I along with another man was the only two Pro Se filers.
Mine went incredibly smooth and lasted less than 30 seconds. They asked about a self starting business that I had years ago if it was still operational, they confirmed I had my fee waived(the trustee seemed surprised that it was), asked me if I had any tools of trade as an independent contractor, and finally the advisor asked me if I had paid anyone or where I got help to fill out the forms. I told them books, forums and downloaded the forms from government sites. I think they were a bit taken by the fact I did it Pro Se because I look quite young.
That was it.
The only people that had any issue was a shady man who was making serious money filing in the name of his business, then also opened a new business prior to filing, in the same domain, and same location and similar name. You could tell clear as day something was going on, and he kept stumbling and asking his lawyer. If you ask me he basically filed Bk for his business so he wouldn't have to pay his suppliers, then opened it right back up debt-free. Profit apparently was "spent". He also chose to pay only a portion of his debt to only one of his suppliers up to 2 months prior to filing in excess of $15,000. They got on him for not listing the property he had in his previous business as assets and when asked what happened to it, he said he sold it to his now, "new shareholder" in his new business, for chump change. You could tell he was using loopholes but I don't think there was anything they could do.
Another case was a woman who listed 1300 for child care a month as part of the expenses and they asked her to bring proof of this. It sounded legit though.
Finally there was a man, the other Pro Se filer, that owned a 250k home but listed his furniture value at $2500. They asked him how he came up with it, and he said Craiglist. They asked for proof and when he said he just "did it" and could do it for them on the spot, they asked him to come back with written documentation.
Other than that all of the other cases went as smooth as bother, asking 3-4 general questions and letting them go. There were no creditors present and I should have my discharge in 60 days pending completion of financial course.
Thank you all.
PS: I should also mention that I had accidentally overlooked a piece of mail with the trustee information after initially filing. I kept waiting for something in the mail to tell me what I needed to give the trustee. It never came, and then found the original form. But it doesn't actually tell you anything, as far as what to bring, or that you have to get in touch with your trustee. YOU HAVE TO CALL THEM! I finally got anxious because I wasn't getting anything and got in touch with his assistant this past thursday. She told me I was supposed to have my most recent tax returns with them a week ago, but she was kind enough to let me drop it off thursday night. They only required this year's tax returns for me. Not sure if that's for everyone.
Oh and one more thing. I also saw my lawyer that I initially went to for consultation who was going to charge me $1500 to do all of this. I kind of felt a little embarrassed because I was supposed to use him in November. But not only did I not have the money, he also freaked me out about some things when talking to him. Making me feel as if there was a possibility of it getting dismissed and not making any guarantees. So I took matter into my own hands. I said, if I have to spend $1500 and it may still get dismissed, I might as well do it myself. I'm sorry Mr. Lawyer, I need the money too but I do appreciate you taking the initial time to talk to me.
I also managed to have my credit counseling fee waived.
Total cost: $45 for ink and paper BUT lots of time and I do think I have to pay for the last financial course, which is another $35. However, I am proud of myself for doing all of this by myself and with your help. My father always wanted me to be a lawyer. Who needs 8 years of college? Thanks again everyone!
Mine went incredibly smooth and lasted less than 30 seconds. They asked about a self starting business that I had years ago if it was still operational, they confirmed I had my fee waived(the trustee seemed surprised that it was), asked me if I had any tools of trade as an independent contractor, and finally the advisor asked me if I had paid anyone or where I got help to fill out the forms. I told them books, forums and downloaded the forms from government sites. I think they were a bit taken by the fact I did it Pro Se because I look quite young.
That was it.
The only people that had any issue was a shady man who was making serious money filing in the name of his business, then also opened a new business prior to filing, in the same domain, and same location and similar name. You could tell clear as day something was going on, and he kept stumbling and asking his lawyer. If you ask me he basically filed Bk for his business so he wouldn't have to pay his suppliers, then opened it right back up debt-free. Profit apparently was "spent". He also chose to pay only a portion of his debt to only one of his suppliers up to 2 months prior to filing in excess of $15,000. They got on him for not listing the property he had in his previous business as assets and when asked what happened to it, he said he sold it to his now, "new shareholder" in his new business, for chump change. You could tell he was using loopholes but I don't think there was anything they could do.
Another case was a woman who listed 1300 for child care a month as part of the expenses and they asked her to bring proof of this. It sounded legit though.
Finally there was a man, the other Pro Se filer, that owned a 250k home but listed his furniture value at $2500. They asked him how he came up with it, and he said Craiglist. They asked for proof and when he said he just "did it" and could do it for them on the spot, they asked him to come back with written documentation.
Other than that all of the other cases went as smooth as bother, asking 3-4 general questions and letting them go. There were no creditors present and I should have my discharge in 60 days pending completion of financial course.
Thank you all.
PS: I should also mention that I had accidentally overlooked a piece of mail with the trustee information after initially filing. I kept waiting for something in the mail to tell me what I needed to give the trustee. It never came, and then found the original form. But it doesn't actually tell you anything, as far as what to bring, or that you have to get in touch with your trustee. YOU HAVE TO CALL THEM! I finally got anxious because I wasn't getting anything and got in touch with his assistant this past thursday. She told me I was supposed to have my most recent tax returns with them a week ago, but she was kind enough to let me drop it off thursday night. They only required this year's tax returns for me. Not sure if that's for everyone.
Oh and one more thing. I also saw my lawyer that I initially went to for consultation who was going to charge me $1500 to do all of this. I kind of felt a little embarrassed because I was supposed to use him in November. But not only did I not have the money, he also freaked me out about some things when talking to him. Making me feel as if there was a possibility of it getting dismissed and not making any guarantees. So I took matter into my own hands. I said, if I have to spend $1500 and it may still get dismissed, I might as well do it myself. I'm sorry Mr. Lawyer, I need the money too but I do appreciate you taking the initial time to talk to me.
I also managed to have my credit counseling fee waived. Total cost: $45 for ink and paper BUT lots of time and I do think I have to pay for the last financial course, which is another $35. However, I am proud of myself for doing all of this by myself and with your help. My father always wanted me to be a lawyer. Who needs 8 years of college? Thanks again everyone!
Bankruptcy Wizard
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