No matter how much you have read, or videos you have viewed, you are going to be nervous and at least a little stressed when it is your turn to appear at a Section 341 hearing, Confirmation hearing, or Motions calendar. How can you best prepare for court appearances in your bankruptcy case?
- Learn What Will Happen Before You Go – Ginsberg Law’s best advice to you about preparing for your hearing is to learn what is likely to happen and prepare yourself. Use this web site to learn about your forthcoming hearing and the questions, if any, that you are likely going to be asked. Call your lawyer. Ginsberg Law is unlike the high volume filers in that you will work with either Jonathan or Susan throughout your case. Call your attorney and ask him/her what to expect. We are there to guide you through the bankruptcy process, start to finish.
- Arrive Early and Watch – bankruptcy hearing rooms and courtrooms are open to the public. If you have an 11am hearing, arrive at 10 and watch the cases scheduled before yours. If you are not sure about questions that are being asked, your lawyer can fill you in. Leave your house early to avoid arriving at the last minute. Parking around courthouses is always tight and every federal court uses time consuming security scans. Plan for these delays.
- Understand Your Responsibilities in your Case – as the debtor, you are responsible for the accuracy of all information submitted and for making payments to creditors or the Chapter 13 trustee as specified in your case. Do not assume anything. Ask questions until you fully understand your role and your obligations. Bankruptcy is a powerful tool, but it is not a free lunch. If something seems too good to be true, you may be misunderstanding what is going on. Ask your lawyer.