Bankruptcy Services

Comprehensive Bankruptcy Assistance

Navigating Financial Hardship with a Compassionate Paralegal Partner

Facing overwhelming debt is one of the most stressful experiences a person can endure. The constant calls from creditors, the threat of foreclosure or repossession, and the uncertainty of the future can feel paralyzing. At ELB Legal Services, we understand the emotional and financial toll this takes. While we cannot offer legal advice on whether bankruptcy is your best option, we provide crucial support for individuals who have made the decision to file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Our role is to be your meticulous document preparation specialist, helping you navigate the complex paperwork with precision and care, at your direction.

Disclaimer: Ellen Bynum of ELB Legal Services is a Legal Document Assistant (LDA), not an attorney. We are legally prohibited from providing legal advice, choosing your bankruptcy chapter, or representing you in court. Our services are strictly limited to the preparation of bankruptcy forms and documents based on the factual information you provide.

Understanding Our Bankruptcy Document Services

The bankruptcy process is heavily reliant on accurate and thorough documentation. A single error or omission can lead to delays or even the dismissal of your case. Our service is designed to prevent these common pitfalls by ensuring every form is completed correctly according to your specific financial information.

Our assistance includes the preparation of a complete bankruptcy petition, which involves numerous detailed forms, such as:

• Voluntary Petition for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy (Official Form 101): The initial document that formally begins your bankruptcy case with the court.
• Schedules A through J: This is the core of your filing, where you must provide a complete and honest accounting of your financial life.
  • Schedule A/B (Property): A detailed list of all your assets, including real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, household goods, and other personal property.
  • Schedule C (Property You Claim as Exempt): A critical form where you list the assets you are legally allowed to protect from creditors under state and federal exemption laws.
  • Schedule D (Creditors Who Hold Claims Secured by Property): A list of your secured debts, such as mortgages and car loans.
  • Schedule E/F (Creditors Who Have Unsecured Claims): A comprehensive list of all your unsecured debts, including credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans.
  • Schedule G (Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases): A list of any ongoing contracts or leases, such as a car lease or rental agreement.
  • Schedule H (Your Codebtors): Information about anyone else who is also liable for any of your debts.
  • Schedule I (Your Income): A detailed statement of your current monthly income from all sources.
  • Schedule J (Your Expenses): A breakdown of your average monthly living expenses.
• Statement of Financial Affairs for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy (Official Form 107): A questionnaire about your recent financial history, including past income, payments to creditors, and property transfers.
• Chapter 7 Means Test Calculation or Chapter 13 Calculation of Your Disposable Income: These complex calculations help determine your eligibility for Chapter 7 or the basis for your payment plan in Chapter 13.

The Process: How We Work With You

Our process is transparent and designed to empower you.

1. Free Initial Consultation: We begin by discussing our services to ensure you understand our role as a non-attorney document preparer.
2. Comprehensive Information Gathering: You will be provided with a detailed workbook or questionnaire. You are responsible for gathering and providing all the necessary financial information, including pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, creditor statements, and asset valuations.
3. Meticulous Document Preparation: Using the information you provide, Ellen Bynum will accurately populate all the required federal bankruptcy forms. We ensure every field is completed correctly and all calculations are double-checked for accuracy.
4. Client Review and Approval: Once the documents are prepared, you will have a thorough review session. This is your opportunity to check every detail for accuracy and completeness. The final documents are only produced after your express approval.
5. Clear Filing Instructions: We will provide you with the completed petition, organized and ready for you to file with the appropriate U.S. Bankruptcy Court. We will also give you clear, step-by-step instructions on the filing process, including the required filing fee and where to go.

By choosing ELB Legal Services, you gain a partner dedicated to ensuring your bankruptcy paperwork is flawless, allowing you to proceed with the legal process with confidence and peace of mind. Contact us today to learn how our affordable document assistance can support you during this challenging time.