How to File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Arkansas
- 1). Find a pre-bankruptcy credit counseling class on the Arkansas bankruptcy court website or call the courthouse for a list of approved courses. Take the class and receive a certificate of completion within 180 days of filing for bankruptcy.
- 2). Ask your attorney for the bankruptcy petition or, if you do not have legal representation, download it from the Arkansas bankruptcy court website.
- 3). Complete the means test to verify you can file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Continue with a Chapter 7 filing if your income is lower than the Arkansas median of $33,412, as of October 2010. File Chapter 13 bankruptcy if your income is higher than $33,412 and you have at least $100 in spare income each month after deducting household expenses.
- 4). Fill out the remaining petition schedules. Include accurate, complete information about your debts, income and assets to avoid court decisions to not discharge some debts or to dismiss your case altogether.
- 5). Give the petition to your lawyer so he can ensure you completed it correctly. Your attorney will file the petition on your behalf, but you will need to file the petition at the courthouse yourself if you do not have an attorney. Pay the $299 Chapter 7 filing fee by cash, money order, cashier's check or attorney check. If you do not have legal representation, Arkansas bankruptcy will only accept cash or money order payments.
- 6). Receive a date for the 431 meeting -- usually six weeks from the filing date -- and the contact information of the trustee who will lead the meeting and oversee the your case. The filing portion of the Arkansas Chapter 7 bankruptcy process is complete.
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