When you file for Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must list all of your creditors. While it is a requirement, it is also in your best interests to do so in order to take full advantage of your case. Quite often, new clients don’t know who all of their creditors are, and do not know how to find them. Here are a few things you can do to be sure that your list is complete.
Compile List of Known Creditors
First and foremost, write down the creditors that you actually do know. Next, collect all of the bills at your home. If you know that you are filing, be sure not to throw any new bills away. Add these bills to the list of creditors that you already started.
Track Creditor Calls
While you are preparing to file, keep track of all creditors who call you. It is easier to ignore the calls, but it may be a creditor or debt collector that you forgot or had no knowledge of in the first place. It is also important to continue answering calls after your case is filed and informing your attorney of any post petition contact. These violations, whether willful or accidental, need to be addressed and your attorney cannot do that if he does not know that they occurred.
Get Your Credit Report
While we encourage you to acquire your credit report as well, our office will pull a comprehensive credit report to cross-reference all of the creditors that you provide. However, it is important that you do not solely rely on the credit report, as some creditors do not report to the agencies, so you may have an incomplete list if you do so.
If You Miss a Creditor
If you do miss a creditor when you file, you will more than likely be able to add that creditor after filing. However, there may be a small court cost and if it is after your case is discharged, it may not be allowed. This is why it is so important to list the creditors before filing.
One thing to remember is that our offices are here to help throughout the preparation process. If you have any problems getting creditor information, or other required documents, we are more than happy to assist in the process. If you find that you are struggling with creditors and need debt relief, please contact our office nearest you to set up a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
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