Dealing with debt and financial issues is never easy. At the law offices of Rich Pecoraro, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the process of bankruptcy and find the best possible solutions for your case. The following links and resources are a great place to start if you are wondering if bankruptcy is the right route for you. Every debt situation is unique, so it is important to speak with a bankruptcy law firm about your individual case. We are proud to offer free bankruptcy consultations so you can receive individualized advice for your specific situation.
U.S. Courts – Bankruptcy Basics
The United States Courts’ website provides general information about the federal bankruptcy process and laws surrounding it. If you are thinking of filing for bankruptcy, this website can give you a basic explanation on the different chapters available and commonly asked questions about the process.
Filing for Bankruptcy Without an Attorney
The United States Bankruptcy Court recommends seeking the advice of a qualified bankruptcy attorney before filing for bankruptcy; however, you can file without an attorney if you so choose (known as filing pro se). This website will provide information on what to expect when filing without a bankruptcy attorney.
Approved Credit Counseling Agencies
If you are struggling to get out of debt, a credit counseling agency may be able to help you find an efficient solution for your situation. In most bankruptcy situations, credit counseling is required by the bankruptcy court. The United States Department of Justice provides a list of state-approved credit counseling agencies, as well as credit counseling agencies that provide services in languages other than English.
What To Know About Credit Counseling Agencies
Before working with a credit counseling agency, you want to be sure that it is a reputable agency. The United States Department of Justice provides a great resource of frequently asked questions about credit counseling, how to locate a reputable agency, and what to expect when working with one.
Approved Debtor Education Providers
The United States Department of Justice keeps a roster of approved providers of personal financial management instructional courses. Their database can be searched by state and judicial district and includes approved providers who offer services in languages other than English.
Federal law allows you to get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months. AnnualCreditReport.com is an authorized resource for a free credit report.
USA.gov is an official website of the United States government that provides information on some of the best-known U.S. laws and regulations. The site also contains information on debt and bankruptcy, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and federal bankruptcy laws.
Official Website of the Commonwealth of Virginia
As debt resolution attorneys within the state of Virginia, we stay up to date on specific state laws and regulations that have to do with debt and bankruptcy. If you are curious about state requirements or anything to do with the Virginia state government, this site is a good place to start.
The United States Courts’ website is a good resource for breaking news regarding bankruptcy cases, requirements, and laws. Their website provides lots of education resources, printable court forms, and basic court information.