33 Don’ts for Preparing to File Bankruptcy – Part 1

14 Jun 33 Don’ts for Preparing to File Bankruptcy – Part 1

My colleague, Jonathan Becker from Lawrence, Kansas, recently polled the nation’s best consumer bankruptcy attorneys and compiled a list of 33 don’ts for preparing to file bankruptcy.

Of course, this is not an exclusive list of advice for preparing to file for bankruptcy relief. You should seek the advice of a local attorney in your state for more specifics applicable to your situation.

We’ll post the list of 33 don’ts in three installments.

1. Don’t leave out bank, checking, savings, brokerage, and credit union accounts.
2. Don’t file if your income is greater than your expenses.
3. Don’t use your credit cards.
4. Don’t take credit card cash advances.
5. Don’t use convenience checks.
6. Don’t do balance transfers.
7. Don’t pay money to family.
8. Don’t pay money to friends.
9. Don’t tell a creditor that you intend to pay.
10. Don’t leave assets off of your paperwork.
11. Don’t file if you are about to receive a tax refund or inheritance.Discuss the timing with your attorney.

Stay tuned for part 2 and part 3 of 33 don’ts for preparing to file bankruptcy.

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Jill Michaux

Jill Michaux has helped Kansas consumers with debt problems for three decades. She and her partner, Mark Neis, are Topeka's only bankruptcy specialists, board certified in consumer bankruptcy law by the American Board of Certification. She help start the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

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