Best Bankruptcy Lawyers Newport News, VA

Newport News, VA Bankruptcy FAQs

• Where do I file for bankruptcy in Newport News, Virginia?

  To file for bankruptcy in Newport News, visit the Eastern District of Virginia Bankruptcy Court at 2400 West Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607.

• Where can I get bankruptcy forms in Newport News, Virginia?

  The bankruptcy forms for filling in Newport News can be accessed at https://www.vaeb.uscourts.gov/bankruptcy-forms.

• What would happen if you file for bankruptcy in Newport News subsequently when the case was dismissed?

  If you file for a second bankruptcy in Newport News within a year after your first dismissal, the automatic stay granted to halt your creditors' collection efforts will only last 30 days. Any further filings you make are excluded from having an automatic stay unless the court orders otherwise. The court may also bar you from filing bankruptcy for months if determined that you are exploiting the legal system by submitting numerous petitions without intending to comply with the claim in good faith.

• What is your primary responsibility when filing for bankruptcy in Newport News?

  When filing for bankruptcy in Newport News, your primary responsibility is to provide complete, accurate, detailed, and factual information about all your assets and debts. If you are deemed to knowingly and fraudulently conceals assets or make a false statement under penalty of perjury in a bankruptcy action, you may be subject to a fine, imprisonment, or both.

• When should you consider Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Newport News?

  You may consider filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Newport News if you are dealing with non-dischargeable taxes, liens, levies, mortgage default, imminent foreclosure or repossession, negative equity on a vehicle loan acquired over three years, and above 5% auto loan interest. In addition, you may be obliged to enter Chapter 13 bankruptcy if: (a) you have an above-median income under the means test, (b) you have sufficient disposable income, and (c) you are unwilling to liquidate your assets.

• What meetings will a debtor have to attend in a bankruptcy case in Newport News?

  You must attend a 341 meeting, a hearing between creditors and debtors, conducted at the outset of bankruptcy proceedings in Newport News. A court-appointed trustee will preside over the hearing and administer an oath before interviewing you with questions to verify the information you provided in the bankruptcy petition. At a later date, you may be required to attend a discharge hearing. Also, there might be more court appearances if your bankruptcy claim is contested.

• How should a divorcing couple in Newport News handle the Chapter 13 bankruptcy they filed together?

  If the couple is separating, they must decide who will be responsible for the Chapter 13 payment or how the dues will be shared. The case will be dismissed if the claimants are unable to remain committed to their repayment plan and if a Chapter 7 conversion is not an option. After then, both spouses may seek legal counsel about filing a separate bankruptcy case.