The Bankruptcy Process in Columbia, South Carolina

Filing for bankruptcy in South Carolina can be a complicated and confusing process. That’s why it’s important that you fully understand how the system works and what you will need to do if you decide to declare bankruptcy.

You can learn more about bankruptcy and whether it’s right for you by meeting with an experienced, Columbia, S.C. bankruptcy lawyer at Benjamin R. Matthews and Associates, LLC.

For more than two decades, our attorneys have helped guide numerous people through the bankruptcy process in Columbia and other surrounding South Carolina communities. We understand how the system works. We’re familiar with the applicable state and federal laws. We are prepared to do the work that needs to be done to help you declare financial freedom.

What you can expect when filing for bankruptcy in Columbia, S.C.

If you are considering filing for bankruptcy in Columbia, South Carolina, it’s important that you fully understand how the bankruptcy process works here. Some of the steps you will need to take to file for bankruptcy include:

• Gather financial information – The more information you have to support your bankruptcy filing, the better. These financial documents can cover a wide range, including recent tax returns, foreclosure notices, pay stubs, credit card bills, bank account statements and more.
• Attend credit counseling – By law in South Carolina, you must attend a credit counseling class in order to be eligible to file for bankruptcy. Our law firm can help you find a reputable and certified consumer credit counselor who can discuss financial matters with you in complete confidence.
• Prepare bankruptcy filing forms – There are many different forms which must be filled out exactly right when filing for bankruptcy in South Carolina. If there’s even one minor mistake on one of these forms, your request to declare bankruptcy could be denied. That’s why it’s important that you have an experienced bankruptcy attorney carefully review your forms before submitting them.
• File bankruptcy filing forms – In order to be eligible to declare bankruptcy, you will need to file your completed bankruptcy forms. In some cases, you may need to file as many as 24 different forms. Our Columbia, S.C. bankruptcy attorneys can assist you with filling out your forms and filing them in bankruptcy court in Columbia.
• Appear in bankruptcy court – As part of the bankruptcy filing process, you will need to appear in bankruptcy court. In Columbia, South Carolina, that means that you will likely need to appear before a judge in United States Bankruptcy Court, District of South Carolina office in Columbia, S.C. One of our attorneys can be there with you during your court appearance to guide you through this complex process.
• Attend 341 a hearing – Another important part of the bankruptcy filing process in South Carolina is attending a mandatory meeting with your creditors. This meeting is known as a 341 hearing. Our attorneys can help prepare you for your meeting, so you can be prepared for the unexpected.

The bankruptcy process can be confusing and intimidating but you don’t have go through it alone. One of our Columbia, S.C. bankruptcy attorneys can be there with you every step of the way.

Why should I hire a Columbia, S.C. bankruptcy attorney?

There are so many legal and financial issues you need to consider when filing for bankruptcy in South Carolina. If you make a mistake at any point in the process, you could jeopardize your bankruptcy filing. That’s why it’s critical that you have an experienced Columbia, S.C. bankruptcy lawyer in your corner, fighting for your rights.

You can count on our legal team to do the work that needs to be done to build the strongest legal case in support of your bankruptcy filing. Discover what we can do for you. Contact our law firm and schedule your free initial consultation at our Columbia, S.C. office. Contact us online or call (803) 799-1700 to learn more about how an experienced Columbia, S.C. bankruptcy lawyer can help you.