As any bankruptcy lawyer in Salt Lake City would tell you, not being careful with your actions before filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 could undermine your efforts to obtain effective debt relief. If you don’t have an attorney, this may not have crossed your mind.
Hiring an experienced Utah bankruptcy lawyer is a smart move.  You’ll have a knowledgeable guide to walk you through the debt relief process. A good attorney can explain everything you need to know about your options for getting back on good financial footing.  Your bankruptcy lawyer will be there to provide the support you need every step of the way.
In the meantime, you should watch what you do. Here, the highly skilled bankruptcy lawyers at the Law Office of Davis & Jones, P.C., explain how to avoid the potholes as you go down the road to debt relief.
Get Bankruptcy Information from Reliable Sources
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases can be complex legal proceedings.  If you’re thinking about filing a bankruptcy case, researching the process will inure to your benefit. However, be sure that you’re getting information from a trustworthy source.
For the basics on bankruptcy, you can visit the U.S. Courts website. There, you’ll find current court filing fees and necessary bankruptcy forms, along with resources that explain how debts are discharged. The site also contains a list of approved credit counseling agencies and debtor education providers.
The American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) is another reputable source. The organization, created by Congress in 1982, is dedicated to providing straightforward information on matters related to bankruptcy and debt relief. The ABI website offers answers to frequently asked questions about bankruptcy as well as resources that can help you take control of your finances.
While the U.S. Courts and ABI websites are reliable sources, you’d be wise to personally consult with an attorney who has experience helping people obtain debt relief. A seasoned Salt Lake City bankruptcy lawyer can provide you with information and advice regarding your specific financial situation – and that can be the key to a successful outcome.Â
Consider All of Your Options for Debt Relief
You may think that filing for bankruptcy is the best way to resolve your financial troubles, and that is true for many people who are overburdened with debt. But according to knowledgeable bankruptcy lawyers, that isn’t the right solution for everyone – and you should explore all of your options.
Sometimes, working with a credit counseling agency can be a smart way to get back on track with your budget. If you own your Salt Lake City home, taking out a debt consolidation loan can be a solution. However, these strategies are seldom recommended by legal professionals with experience in debt relief, for good reasons!
Depending upon your financial situation an attorney-led debt settlement might be advisable. An attorney may be able to negotiate a favorable settlement arrangement with your creditors.  If you’re working with a Utah bankruptcy lawyer, your creditors will know that bankruptcy is a real option. As such, they may be more willing to come to a mutually acceptable agreement.
Before making any decisions on how to get the debt relief you need, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of every option, including the different types of bankruptcies. An experienced Salt Lake City bankruptcy lawyer can help with this.  Your lawyer can offer advice tailored to your particular situation.
Be Sure to Follow Applicable Laws & Regulations
If you decide to file for bankruptcy, be aware that the legal proceeding gives rise to long-term legal and financial consequences. Â Any misunderstanding of the laws involved or mistakes made during the process could have detrimental impacts. Worse, if the bankruptcy trustee believes that you purposely attempted to deceive the court, your discharge could be denied. Â You may even face criminal charges.
To avoid thorny issues, you’ll need to follow the bankruptcy filing guidelines precisely, being thorough and truthful in your petition. Pay close attention to the requirements of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and make it your mission not to miss any important information.
Utah bankruptcy lawyers say that you should keep in mind that certain actions you might naturally take before filing for bankruptcy could be seen as fraud – even if you had the best of intentions at the time. You could be accused, for example, if you move cash from one bank account to another, send money to family, or retitle your car in someone else’s name. The trustee may also consider recent cash advances and purchases of luxury items to be red flags for fraud.
With an experienced Salt Lake City bankruptcy lawyer by your side, you won’t have to worry about missing filing deadlines or making errors on the petition. A good attorney can help you avoid cause for concern about being accused of having fraudulent intentions.
Hire the Right Salt Lake City Bankruptcy Lawyer
You don’t have to hire a bankruptcy lawyer – you could do your own research and file a case without a lawyer’s help. This approach can be risky, however.  You should seek the advice a qualified legal professional to avoid potholes and successfully obtain a discharge of problematic debt.
From helping you figure out the right path to restoring your financial stability to advising you through every step of the debt relief process, a Utah bankruptcy lawyer can come to your aid in many ways. You should take care in choosing a lawyer – and we recommend looking for a legal professional who specializes in bankruptcy law, one with extensive experience representing clients in Salt Lake City.
To start, consider bankruptcy lawyers at the Law Office of Davis & Jones, P.C., based in the center of Salt Lake County, Taylorsville, Utah. Our attorneys are experts in debt relief, debt consolidation and debt settlements, and we’ve guided more than 20,000 bankruptcies to a successful outcome. For a free, no-obligation consultation with a highly skilled and dedicated Salt Lake City bankruptcy lawyer, contact us today.