After your case is filed:

1.         Make sure you direct any creditor calls you may receive to me.

2.         Attend the creditor meeting on the date and time as stated on the notice you received from the Bankruptcy Clerk. You must take a valid picture ID and your social security card with you to your meeting.  If you did not receive a notice within two weeks of your filing date, call my office at 312-834-2300;

3.         Provide any additional documents or other information if the Trustee so requests.

4.         Take your pre-discharge debtor education course at www.personalfinanceeducation.com . It is the $25.00 course. As long as you have your case number (which appears at the top right corner of your meeting notice), you may take the course any time after your case is filed.  You must be sure I have received this certificate within 45 days of your first scheduled creditor meeting. After you get the certificate, be sure to call my office and confirm that I have received it. If you do not get it to me within that time your case will be closed without discharge, and your creditors will be free to resume collection. In order to remedy the problem I would have to bring a motion before the Judge and argue to reopen the case to allow the filing of your certificate. You will incur additional fees and costs if you let that happen. So be sure to get the certificate to me in time!

5.         Wait for your discharge order in the mail. You should receive it 60-90 days after your creditor meeting date.

You have taken an important step to regaining financial well being.  You should now have the opportunity to use credit in the future to move forward with your life, and carry on the business of a happy future for you and your family.  Thank you for choosing my firm to help you through this most difficult of times.

Here are some links to articles you may find helpful in obtaining credit in the future:

                 How to recover after bankruptcy

                 Understanding credit scores

                 10 Questions before getting a secured credit card

                 A comparison of secured credit cards

                 5 ways to rebuild credit after bankrputcy

Here is proof that bankruptcy affects all levels of social standing.  Take a look at some of these famous musicians who have filed for bankrputcy.  You are not alone.  According to the American Bankrputcy Institute, the total number of consumer filings in 2011 was 1,304,971.  Like some of these musicians, bankruptcy can be a significant ingredient contributing to your road to financial recovery.  I wish you well on your journey!

Marc S. Shuger