Can I file for Emergency Bankruptcy in Phoenix?

Yes, you can.  A quick bankruptcy filing called “emergency bankruptcy” of “skeleton bankruptcy” can stop impending creditor action. Read on to find out how you can file an emergency bankruptcy online.

How does filing bankruptcy help?

There are times when you need to be one step ahead of your creditors. Filing for bankruptcy helps in putting creditor’s actions at bay. How? When you file for bankruptcy, a court order called the automatic stay immediately stops most civil lawsuits filed against you and most collection actions being taken against your property by a creditor, collection agency, or government entity.

However, be mindful that accomplishing all the bankruptcy forms takes time, which you may not have the luxury of, given your circumstances.

The best way to go about filing bankruptcy more efficiently is to head on to an experienced bankruptcy attorney in Phoenix to help you out with the process. In this way, you will be more guided on the requirements and the timelines, thereby reducing your bankruptcy filing to be at risk of dismissal.

What are my options to file an emergency bankruptcy?

When you do not have enough time on your hands, you can utilize a fast online bankruptcy filing process known as an emergency bankruptcy filing (or skeleton filing), get the automatic stay in place, and submit the remaining documents later. The average bankruptcy petition is between 40 to 50 pages when completed. Such a huge amount of paperwork is just not feasible when you are facing a foreclosure auction, repossession, wage garnishment, collection lawsuit, or another time-sensitive situation.

In this digital age, most processes are done online, including filing bankruptcy. You can actually get your bankruptcy forms filed online fast when you need file an emergency bankruptcy. Another advantage of using the online platform is that you can access online filing at any time of the day, any day of the week, and start the online filing process by uploading only a small percentage of the required forms:

  • the bankruptcy petition (the primary document containing identifying information, the chapter you’re filing, and other general information)  (Form 101)
  • your Statement About Your Social Security Numbers (Form B121)
  • the names and addresses of all of your creditors (known as a creditor mailing list or mailing matrix—check with your court for formatting requirements), and
  • a credit counseling certificate requirement or a waiver request

However, you will still need to prepare a filing fee, a request for a fee waiver, or a request to pay the fee in installments.

Working with a seasoned bankruptcy lawyer in Phoenix will ensure that you do not miss out on critical details and deadlines. This way,  you do not take on further unnecessary stress and you can just focus on even more important matters as we help you get a break from your financial quandary.

What can I do if I do not have all the documents ready on time?

You have 14 days to file the additional documents. Otherwise, you risk having your emergency bankruptcy filing dismissed by the bankruptcy court.  Make sure you also comply with the other forms that are required by your local bankruptcy court. You can check out the court’s website for the other requirements if any.

What are the steps I should take to file an emergency bankruptcy?

Following are the actions you can take to make sure you do not miss out on anything when filing for skeleton bankruptcy:

  1. Consult the court clerk or visit the court’s website to determine what are the forms you will be required to fill out and submit for a skeleton bankruptcy filing.
  1. Fill out the bankruptcy petition form, otherwise known as Form 101 formally called the Voluntary Petition for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy.
  1. Fill out the list of creditors. Be sure to include the names and addresses of everyone you owe money to, as well as collection agencies, sheriffs, attorneys, and others who are seeking to collect debts from you. Check that you put in the updated addresses by using the address on the most recent billing statement or court filing.
  1. Fill out your Form B121 or Your Statement About Your Social Security Numbers.
  1. Make sure that you comply with other documents the court requires (for instance, in some jurisdictions you must file a cover sheet and an order of dismissal that will be executed if you fail to submit the remaining documents).
  1. File the originals and the required number of copies with the court clerk, accompanied by your fee, a fee waiver application, or a request to pay the fee in installments, along with a self-addressed envelope. Keep copies for your records.
  1. Last but definitely, not the least, file the remaining required forms within 14 days to avoid dismissal of your case.

Contact a Phoenix Bankruptcy Attorney Today

We cannot say it often enough.  If you do not want further stress, overwhelming documentation, and nerve-wracking deadlines, it is smarter to work with one of the best bankruptcy lawyers in Arizona.  We, at Phoenix Fresh Start bankruptcy, want to help you in getting back on track with your finances and get back your financial freedom. You do not need additional migraine-inducing stress brought about by filing bankruptcy.  Let us help you get that fresh start you so rightly deserve.  Call us now for a free initial case evaluation.