The decision to file or not to file a bankruptcy can be stressful and overwhelming. Many attorneys offer free consultations to get to know the prospective client’s situation to better be able to counsel them in making a proper, informative decision. If you and your attorney decide that a bankruptcy is beneficial to you and your situation then you would next pay a retainer fee to get your case started. This article stresses the importance of following through with the bankruptcy and getting it filed as soon as possible.
Clients come into my office for a reason. Maybe they are overwhelmed by their growing debt, perhaps they are annoyed with the phone calls, and in many cases they have already been sued and are currently having their wages garnished. Things do not automatically get better when you pay an attorney a retainer, leave his office and then forgot about finishing off your case. Your creditors need a case number. That is the only thing that is going to stop a garnishment or the risk of being sued and being dragged into court to defend yourself. Once you have this case number creditors are forced to leave you alone. They will no longer be able to call you. They will no longer be able to sue you. And, most importantly, they will no longer be able to garnish your paycheck.
Some clients will pay some money down, leave my office and I will not hear from them again. Then, one day, they get served with papers from a process server to appear in court and then remember they were going to file a bankruptcy. Now it is a year later, you still have only paid a small down payment towards your case and you have put 25% of your paycheck at risk because now you have a lawsuit you have to defend. It is just not worth it. If you start your case then you started it for a reason. It is very important you complete the process.
Filing bankruptcy is an important decision and should not be taken lightly. We offer free consultations in 6 different locations in Missouri and Illinois. Please do not hesitate to give us a call at 636-916-5400 if you have any questions regarding this issue or anything else related to bankruptcy. We are also now currently taking traffic cases and family law cases in the St. Louis area.