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Filing For Bankruptcy In Texas: The Process

When considering bankruptcy, having a knowledgeable and understanding bankruptcy attorney by your side can make all the difference. At William H. Lively, Jr. WHL, PLLC, we have spent over 25 years helping more than 7,000 East Texas families overcome their financial challenges with dignity and hope. Our Tyler-based firm guides clients through bankruptcy proceedings across East Texas, providing personalized attention and practical solutions for a fresh financial start.

We understand that considering bankruptcy can feel overwhelming. Our approach combines deep legal knowledge with genuine compassion, offering judgment-free guidance throughout the entire process. Let us help you understand each step of the journey toward financial recovery.

What Should You Expect At Your First Meeting?

Your journey begins with a free, confidential consultation with our experienced bankruptcy attorney. During this meeting, we will review your financial situation and discuss your goals for the future. To make this consultation as productive as possible, bringing specific documents helps us understand your complete financial picture and develop the most effective path forward. Important documents to bring include:

  • Recent pay stubs and evidence of other income
  • Major bills and collection notices
  • Legal documents related to your debts
  • Recent bank statements from all accounts
  • List of monthly expenses and recurring payments
  • Any correspondence from creditors or collection agencies

Our welcoming staff creates a comfortable environment where you can speak openly about your situation and receive clear answers to your questions. After reviewing your documents, we will outline potential solutions and explain the next steps in clear, straightforward terms.

How Do We Prepare For Your Filing?

The pre-filing period builds the foundation for your successful bankruptcy case. We begin with the required credit counseling course, which must be completed through an approved provider. Our team recommends reliable providers and helps you complete this requirement efficiently. This course typically takes about 90 minutes and can be done online or by phone at your convenience.

Document gathering represents another vital step in preparing your case. We provide detailed guidance on collecting all necessary paperwork and keep the process organized and manageable. Beyond standard financial records, we examine your complete financial situation to determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy will better serve your needs. This thorough review often reveals options you might not have known were available. Essential documents we will need include:

  • Recent tax returns from the past two years
  • Property documents, including deeds and vehicle titles
  • Complete list of creditor information and account numbers
  • Proof of all income sources for the past six months
  • Monthly expense records and utility bills
  • Insurance policies and retirement account statements

After gathering these materials, we carefully evaluate your financial situation, considering factors such as current income, expenses, property protection needs and types of debt. This thorough review allows us to recommend the most beneficial path forward for your specific circumstances.

What Happens When Your Case Goes to Court?

The moment we file your bankruptcy petition, you receive immediate protection through the automatic stay. This powerful legal tool stops foreclosure proceedings, vehicle repossessions, creditor harassment, wage garnishments and collection lawsuits. Our office handles all communication with creditors, allowing you to focus on moving forward. We review every detail of your petition for accuracy and maximum protection under the law.

The automatic stay brings immediate relief in several ways. Creditors must stop calling you at home or work. Collection letters must cease. Any pending lawsuits are halted. If your wages are being garnished, the garnishment stops. This breathing room allows you to reorganize your finances without constant pressure from creditors.

What Steps Come After Your Filing?

About one month after filing, you will attend the Meeting of Creditors. While this meeting may sound intimidating, most sessions last less than 10 minutes and follow a standard format. We thoroughly prepare you beforehand and attend the meeting with you, making the process straightforward and stress-free. We will practice the typical questions so you feel confident and prepared.

The court also requires the completion of a financial management course, which focuses on building strong money management skills for the future. Our team helps schedule this course at a convenient time and tracks your completion certificate. The knowledge gained from this course provides valuable tools for maintaining financial stability after bankruptcy.

The time to reach discharge varies based on your specific case. Throughout this period, our office:

  • Monitors your case progress and important deadlines
  • Handles all creditor questions and concerns
  • Addresses emerging issues promptly
  • Keeps you informed of key developments
  • Files required reports with the bankruptcy court

We maintain regular communication and stand ready to answer your questions at every stage, giving you confidence as you progress toward your fresh financial start. Our commitment extends beyond just filing your case – we work to position you for long-term financial success.

Are You Ready To Take The First Step?

Take control of your financial future by contacting our Tyler office for a free consultation. The team at William H. Lively, Jr. WHL, PLLC, is ready to help you achieve the fresh start you deserve. Call us at 903-920-0008 or complete our contact form to schedule your confidential consultation.

William H. Lively, Jr. WHL, PLLC, are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.