Ronald I Le Vine
210 River St. # 24
   Hackensack, N.J. 07601
(201) 489-7900
Fax:(201) 489-1395

When Should I Consider Bankruptcy?

Although every person's finances are different, there are several common "symptoms" of acute financial distress. These include:

- Credit card balance which gets larger each month

- Difficulty in making minimum payments on credit cards

- "maxing out" on credit cards

- Being behind on rent/mortgage and unable to catch up

- Creditors making calls and letters because of overdue bills

- Being unable to get out of debt in the foreseeable future.

Experience has shown that most persons whose finances reach the levels above are unable to repay their debts in a reasonable time. Imagine what a relief it would be to have all the credit card and other debt "wiped out".

Is Bankruptcy right for me? Should I try to borrow money from family and friends first to pay off my debts?

One of the saddest experiences encountered in this office is meeting people who have borrowed from their friends or family, paid some of their debt, and several months down the road still have considerable debt which now includes the friends/family. In some cases, you may be just transferring your debt from several businesses to several friends or family members.

A consultation with a lawyer will help determine if filing for Bankruptcy would benefit you by discharging your debts rather than continuing their oppressive burden.

What does "filing for Bankruptcy" mean? How long does it take?

It means getting relief for your financial problems under the federal bankruptcy code. Filing for Bankruptcy wipes out (discharges) most of your debts. It also stops your creditors (the people you own money to), from taking away your assets to collect their money, garnishing your wages, suing you, or otherwise harassing you.

It generally takes about 6 months from start to finish. You then go on with life as usual, but with a fresh, new start.

What do I have to do to file for Bankruptcy?

It means getting relief for your financial problems under the federal bankruptcy code. Most personal bankruptcy claims are filed under chapter 7. (If you are interested in our Chapter 13 Brochure, please ask for it.) First, your lawyer prepares an extensive financial questionnaire consisting of the Petition, Statement of Affairs and Schedules. These are then delivered to the Bankruptcy Court. Immediately an automatic stay starts which is a federal court injunction prohibiting almost all creditors from taking any action outside of the Bankruptcy Court to enforce their claim. Your creditors, their lawyers and collection agencies must stop lawsuits, making written and telephone demands for payment, taking away your assets to collect their money, garnishing your wages, or otherwise harassing you.

Also, upon filing, the Trustee is appointed. The Trustee will review your petition, meet with you, and make recommendations to the Judge. Your meeting with the Trustee is generally considered to not be intimidating and usually lasts less than ten minutes. Of course, we are at your side during this meeting.

Why do I need a lawyer?

The first step is to consult with a bankruptcy lawyer who will review your specific financial situation, make recommendations, and ensure that all goes smoothly with your claim. Our staff here at the firm of Ronald I. LeVine has many years of experience in bankruptcy law, and will take you through the process from start to finish.

At your first consultation, one of our lawyers will personally sit down with you on a one-to-one basis and analyze your situation. We will determine if bankruptcy is right for you - for it does not benefit everyone. My goal is to help you keep all of your assets.

If it appears that filing for bankruptcy protection would be of benefit to you, we will then review, research and compile in detail the necessary facts and figures to prepare your bankruptcy petition and related documents for the courts.

One of our lawyers will also attend and assist you the one time you meet with the Trustee. In general, we are with you, on your side, throughout the whole entire bankruptcy proceedings. We are responsible for making sure that all goes well and that all of your questions are answered.

What kinds of debts are discharged (wiped away)?

Almost all of your debts are discharged. Credit card bills, individual store bills, business and personal loans, and car loans (if you do not keep the car) are discharged. The general rule is that all debts are discharged, with limited exceptions for taxes, family obligations, debts obtained through fraud, certain court-imposed fines and penalties, and student loans. We will be able to supply you with a detailed list of those debts that are covered and not covered.

What about my car?

There are special rules which apply to your car. If your car is paid off, you will most likely be able to keep it (it is considered one of your assets). If it is not paid off, you can decide whether or not to keep it. Should you keep the car, you must continue making the payments. Of course, if you do not want to keep the car, you do not have to pay your car loan.

What if I own my home?

This area is of special interest. Unless you have great equity in you home, generally you can file chapter 7 and keep your home. If you have fallen behind in your mortgage payments, a chapter 13 bankruptcy petition may be more appropriate, as it allows you to spread out the back payments over a 3-5 year period. You may do this even in the event of a foreclosure.

How is my salary affected?

If you are working, your wages will not be affected or taken away. Your employer will not even be notified of your Bankruptcy petition.

Also, on a similar note, though your bankruptcy filing is a matter of public record, it is not printed in any general publications.

How is my credit affected?

Your credit rating, which most likely was in poor shape before you filed for bankruptcy, will be worsened. Credit reporting agencies will list your bankruptcy for ten years.

However, during that time there are many ways to have credit and to restore your credit rating. You should be able to get a secured Visa or MasterCard, store cards and credit from the car company from whom you previously bought if you completed the payments. Our office can supply you with a list of banks which offer secured credit cards.

How much does filing for Bankruptcy cost?

Most times, our flat fee is less than one month's debt payments. For our expertise and personal service you will be charged a moderate flat fee which covers everything in most cases. The rare exceptions are where a significant additional expenditure of time is necessary (a motion, a non-dischargibility proceeding, or other cause). Please feel free to ask us to further explain these terms and the possibility of them based on your individual case.

It should also be noted that we understand the needs of the bankruptcy client, and have payment plans available which may suit you.

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