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What Not to Do

Avoid These Common Bankruptcy Mistakes

Even just the thought of maybe filing for bankruptcy protection can create a lot of fear and anxiety about the future. Unfortunately, too many people let their fears get the better of them and make the kinds of mistakes that get bankruptcy cases dismissed, or worse.

By talking to a bankruptcy attorney before doing anything that might cost you big-time later, you can avoid these common mistakes:

  • Don't try to handle your bankruptcy without legal help. Bankruptcy is a more complicated area of the law than you might think — especially if making the most of this opportunity is the goal for you.
  • Don't sell assets or borrow against your equity or retirement funds just to fall a little less behind each month — not until you've talked to an attorney about your financial situation and debt relief options.
  • Don't begin paying off certain creditors, including family members before you discuss your bankruptcy options. Also avoid other major financial transactions, ownership changes or transfers of assets that have significant value.
  • Don't lie in any of your bankruptcy filings or to the bankruptcy trustee overseeing your case. This is one of the worst mistakes you can make, as it can not only cause you to lose assets and have your bankruptcy case dismissed — it may also lead to criminal charges being filed against you.

"This Is All We Do and We Do It Well."

Minneapolis-St. Paul: 651-968-8096 / Statewide Toll-Free: 888-366-0827

At Prescott & Pearson, P.A., our attorneys have focused solely on helping Minnesota families and small businesses get a fresh start through the bankruptcy process since 1975. We're confident that we can help you too — even if it turns out that bankruptcy isn't the right solution for your needs.

To learn more about your debt relief options, including Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy — don't hesitate to call or contact our lawyers in the Twin Cities area for a free consultation.

Upcoming Seminars

  • May 20 th 2010
    Realtor Speaker Series:
    Short Sale/Foreclosure Discussion and Bankruptcy Q&A
  • April 6 th, 2010
    Minnesota State Bar CLE
    Consumer Bankruptcy Basics; Client Interview and Pre-Petition Advice
  • October 6 th, 2009
    Minnesota State Bar Association CLE and the Bankruptcy Section of the MSBA
    2009 Bankruptcy Institute: Bankruptcy 101; Bailout of the Financially Distressed Individual Debtor
  • August 19 th, 2009
    February 26, 2009 and June 16, 2008: Minnesota State Bar Association CLE Consumer Bankruptcy Basics; Client Interview and Pre-Petition Advice
  • December 18 th, 2007
    Minnesota State Bar Association CLE
    Bankruptcy Series: Reaffirmations
  • October 6 th, 2006
    Minnesota State Bar Associations CLE and the Bankruptcy Section of the MSBA
    2006 Bankruptcy Institute: Chapter 7 issues under the New Act
  • May 8 th, 2006
    Minnesota State Bar Association CLE
    Bankruptcy Reform 2006: Means Testing: Debtor's Perspective
  • June 20 th, 2005
    Minnesota State Bar Association CLE
    Bankruptcy Reform 2005; Professionalism in Consumer Bankruptcy Practice, Means Testing: Debtor's Perspective, Changes in Exemptions
  • September 12 th, 2005
    Minnesota State Bar Association CLE and the Bankruptcy Section of the MSBA
    2005 Bankruptcy Institute: Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Reform and the Everyday Practitioner
  • September 23 rd, 2004
    Minnesota State Bar Association CLE and the Bankruptcy Section of the MSBA
    2004 Bankruptcy Institute: Getting Paid in Bankruptcy Cases
  • March 9 th, 2004
    Minnesota State Bar Association CLE
    Bankruptcy Basics: Initial Interview and Pre-Petition Advice

Contact Us

Prescott & Pearson, P.A.
443 Old Highway 8 Northwest
Suite 208
New Brighton, MN 55112
Phone: 651-968-8096
Toll Free: 888-366-0827
Fax: 651-633-7562
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