Attorney at Law

bankruptcy process

Colorado Bankruptcy Process

I know that you would pay your debts if you could. I know that you may feel scared or embarrassed about filing for bankruptcy. You are certainly not alone, especially in these economic times.

My name is Ross Wabeke. I represent individuals and small businesses in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings. With 40 years of experience as both a bankruptcy lawyer and a former bankruptcy trustee, I am well qualified to shepherd your case through the system so that you can get relief from debts, creditors and the financial stress.

Free 30-Minute Bankruptcy Consultation
I handle consumer and small business bankruptcies for residents in Colorado. Contact me today.

The Bankruptcy Process

The first thing you need to do is hire an attorney. There are several reasons to choose me to handle your case, starting with the thousands of successful discharges and repayment plans I have handled. Under no circumstances should you try to file your own bankruptcy; the law is complex and there are too many things that could go wrong. The creditors would eat you alive.

I offer a free 30-minute consultation to explain bankruptcy, answer your questions and determine if you are a candidate for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. For that consultation you should be prepared with you your last six months of pay stubs, information on all other income in the last six months, and information on who and how much you owe and what you own. If you decide to go forward with a bankruptcy, you will need to provide more detailed information on debts, assets, income, expenses and tax returns so that I can put your bankruptcy petition together.

My normal turnaround is about one week. In other words, approximately one week after you have given me all information to prepare the bankruptcy petition, I can review it, make any necessary revisions and then file it with the Bankruptcy Court. (In some cases, it may be necessary to hold your petition for a month or two to become eligible.)

On the day your case if filed, you are granted an automatic stay under the protection of the Bankruptcy Court. This means that creditors must immediately stop collection efforts, phone calls and all actions, including foreclosure, repossession, judgments or garnishments.

If you file a Chapter 7, a Meeting of Creditors will be held about one month later. Creditors do not usually attend, but the trustee will ask you some questions. I will prepare you for court and accompany you to the hearing. Creditors have 60 days to object. If there are no challenges, your unsecured debts are discharged about three and a half months from the date of filing the petition. NOTE: At the present time during the Covid-19 pandemic the meetings with the Bankruptcy Trustee are being conducted telephonically actually making it somewhat less stressful for you.

In a Chapter 13, you will also have a meeting with the trustee about a month after filing to gather more details about your repayment plan. The payments begin 30 days after filing, even if your plan is not confirmed. I can usually get a Chapter 13 plan approved in about two and a half months, including stripping of liens (second mortgage).

I Will Walk You Through the Colorado Bankruptcy Process

I know you have many questions:

I can answer all your concerns and I can address any complicated scenario.

We Help People File for Bankruptcy in Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley and Surrounding Counties

Call me at 970-667-2101 or e-mail me to arrange your free consultation, including evening appointments.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.