By John Hilla, Livonia Bankruptcy Attorney
Filing for bankruptcy is a major step. To make the process smooth and successful, your Livonia bankruptcy attorney needs complete and accurate information.
You might feel overwhelmed by the number of questions we ask. But every detail matters when you’re seeking debt relief through bankruptcy.
Below are the 10 most important things you need to tell your Livonia bankruptcy attorney when considering Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
1. Have You Filed Bankruptcy Before?
Your attorney must know if you’ve ever filed bankruptcy before.
- Prior filings affect your eligibility to file again.
- Cases dismissed for bad faith may delay or prevent new filings.
- Your attorney will compare past and present filings for consistency.
- Bankruptcy is federal—filings in other states still count.
This helps ensure your case won’t be dismissed and that all required disclosures are made properly.
2. Why You’re Filing for Bankruptcy
Be honest about your reasons for filing.
- Not all reasons qualify as “good faith” under bankruptcy law.
- Bad-faith filings can result in denial of discharge.
- Some debts, like child support, are never dischargeable.
Examples of bad-faith reasons include:
- Trying to dodge child support or alimony.
- Using bankruptcy to delay court actions with no intention of repayment.
Your Livonia bankruptcy attorney can guide you toward bankruptcy or non-bankruptcy alternatives if needed.
3. Who You Owe, Why, and When
List all debts—credit cards, medical bills, loans, judgments, and more.
- Not all debts are treated equally in bankruptcy.
- Some debts, like student loans or taxes, may be non-dischargeable.
- Debts incurred through fraud may not be wiped out.
Also let your attorney know if:
- Any debt has a co-signer.
- Any debt arose from unusual or disputed circumstances.
Full disclosure helps determine the best bankruptcy chapter to file.
4. Who Is Suing You or Has Sued You
Ongoing or recent lawsuits matter.
- Bankruptcy can stop collections lawsuits immediately.
- Your attorney must notify courts and creditors to halt action.
- It may be possible to recover garnished wages or frozen funds.
Tell your attorney if:
- You’re being sued.
- You’ve been served court documents.
- You’re facing wage garnishment or eviction.
This can affect how urgently your bankruptcy must be filed.
5. What You Earn and How You Earn It
Income determines bankruptcy eligibility.
- Chapter 7 requires passing the Means Test based on your past 6 months of income.
- Chapter 13 requires regular income to fund your payment plan.
Be sure to include:
- All household income sources.
- Business income, if self-employed.
- Disability, Social Security, or other benefits.
Business income and entity structures like LLCs require special consideration. Your Livonia bankruptcy attorney can advise how to report these properly.
Why This Matters
Telling your Livonia bankruptcy attorney everything upfront avoids delays and complications. We can only help you if we have the full picture.
- Don’t hide debts or lawsuits.
- Don’t guess about income.
- Don’t delay if you’ve been sued or garnished.
You’ll receive experienced, compassionate legal guidance—and the best chance at a fresh start.
Talk to a Livonia Bankruptcy Attorney Today
Attorney John Hilla has helped hundreds of clients throughout Michigan find financial relief through bankruptcy. We offer:
- Free virtual consultations.
- One-on-one attention from an experienced attorney.
- Professional, compassionate service from start to finish.
Ready to speak with a Livonia bankruptcy attorney who cares?
👉 Click below to schedule your free consultation now.