Risk of Online Bankruptcy Services
When you’re struggling with debt you can’t pay, your primary concern should be getting rid of it. If the debt isn’t very large, it can be as easy as making small budget changes, but what happens when the situation is dire? That’s where bankruptcy comes in. However, many people are embarrassed to file for bankruptcy. Instead of getting on the phone with a lawyer, they turn to online services. While this method may seem easy and unintimidating, is it ideal for your case?
Online Bankruptcy Service Risks
One of the biggest risks of using an online service is filing the wrong chapter of bankruptcy. There are income calculations that must be done in order to determine if you qualify for Chapter 7, or how much your plan payments need to be for a Chapter 13. Filing the wrong chapter will not only waste your time, it will also cost you the filing fee.
Another risk is filling out your bankruptcy petition incorrectly. If you put in the wrong information when it comes to questions about your earnings, debts, and possessions, it may look like you are trying to mislead the court, even if it’s an accident. A simple mistake may result in being accused of perjury, which is a felony offense.
Finally, creditors may object to provisions within the petition or plan you created online. After you submit a plan, it takes anywhere from 20 to 45 days after the creditors meeting for it to be confirmed or denied. If it is denied, it not only means that you have to come up with another plan, you’ll also need to wait additional time for another plan to be confirmed or denied.
An experienced attorney can help you file for the right chapter of bankruptcy, fill out your petition correctly, and create a plan that your creditors will approve. For example, if a creditor is not following the law, an attorney can ensure that your rights are enforced properly. Without an attorney, you would have to figure out the law, legal terms and court procedures on your own, while your creditors work side-by-side with their team of lawyers.
At Wadhwani & Shanfeld, we understand that debt can be overwhelming and take over your life. If you need a responsible way to get out of debt, contact our Southern California bankruptcy lawyers today. We can guide you through every step of the bankruptcy process so you can get that fresh start you deserve.
Call (800) 996-9932 or contact us online for a free consultation.
