Preparation is the key for success when filing bankruptcy in Florida. The best bankruptcy cases go unnoticed as debtors glide through the system without attracting attention to receive a full discharges in record time. Luck is not involved. Planning began months before filing.
The most successful filers know something that you don’t. Small lifestyle changes may alter means test income and expenses before filing. Well-planned strategic changes will have a dramatic effect on the results of the means test. With a few weeks or months to plan, creating $300 improvement on the bankruptcy means test calculation will save $18,000 in wasted Chapter 13 payments. Just as easily, many people avoid Chapter 13 altogether and may file Chapter 7 when understanding the test procedure. Timing is critical.
2010 Bankruptcy Strategies and the Means Test Explained
All cases commenced under Chapter 7 and chapter 13 require the appointment of a trustee who will require testimony, under oath, at a public meeting. Creditors receive notice of the meeting. Creditors who choose to attend may ask questions while the debtor remains under oath. All debtor responses are admissible as evidence before the court.
| 11 U.S.C. Sec. 341: (a) Within a reasonable time after the order for relief in a case under this title, the United States trustee shall convene and preside at a meeting of creditors. (b) The United States trustee may convene a meeting of any equity security holders. (c) The court may not preside at, and may not attend, any meeting under this section including any final meeting of creditors. |
The Florida Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District issued Administrative Order No. 04-6 on March 31, 2004. This order pertains to proposed amendments to local rules. In particular, this order requires an en banc hearing (all judges present) to consider public comments. anyone who wishes to have personal comments considered by the court must submit proposals in writing. Anyone wishing to address the court must file a request for appearance. The Florida Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District amended Local Rule 5005-1 on September 15, 2003. This amendment states The Court shall permit documents and papers to be filed, signed, or verified by electronic means that are consistent with technical standards, if any, that the Judicial Conference of the United States establishes. Soon, all courts will require electronic submission.
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