Good manners will get you a long way in your bankruptcy meeting of creditors. Today I had meetings all morning and into the afternoon. The process could have been much more pleasant and efficient had some of the debtors present respected those around then and themselves. Your failure as a debtor reflects upon you and…
Your signature declaration is the most important form Cleveland bankruptcy attorney, William Balena will file with the court for you. You probably wonder, “How can a paper that is not part of the petition package be so important?” Cleveland bankruptcy attorney, William Balena will file your bankruptcy case electronically over the internet. When I do…
I am a Cleveland bankruptcy attorney. You have seen various places on this site that I refer to myself as such. You probably have seen that my office is located in the heart of downtown Elyria. When you first found my site you likely searched with some geographical limitation. In their extreme wisdom and benevolence,…
Here are 3 easy ways to get your tax return or tax account transcript. I need your tax return to file a chapter 7 or a chapter 13 bankruptcy. This mean your most recently filed tax return. Hopefully you are current in your tax filings. If not, you will have to come clean to finish…
Cleveland Bankruptcy Court has new security identification features in place. Do they protect you? You have probably heard on the news about the federal government ramping up its security. You will be able to file this one away under the category, much ado about nothing. You already know that for your meeting of creditors you…
Who is Joe Tackett and why should you care that he is unleashed? I first met Joe when he was a young lawyer working for a collection law firm in Cleveland representing the bad guys at creditor meetings in chapter 7 bankruptcy cases. His professional life has gone from police officer, to attorney, and to…
Where on earth is there parking for your Cleveland meeting of creditors? Like any major city there are many parking lots and parking garages around the HM Metzenbaum Federal Courthouse where you have to appear for your creditor meeting. I want you to remember right off the bat the reason you are coming to Cleveland. …
What does it mean when I tell you Balena Law Firm is paperless and location independent? When you come in for your bankruptcy consultation I instruct you to bring in an armload of documents. The new law requires verification of everything. Even who you are! Many times you express concern over leaving these things with…
I bet you think speed traps on the way to Cleveland bankruptcy court is a catchy title for an article about problems you may face in bankruptcy, right? This one is about real speed traps. You know: Smokey Bear in the air Smokey and the bandit Gumball rally That’s right this post is all about…
What if you lie in your bankruptcy petition? The bankruptcy process is designed to give honest debtors relief from their bills. Honesty is the bedrock of the process. Clients are often concerned that someone will come into their home to inventory their things. The bankruptcy trustee and the court certainly have the power to make…