Shortly after you file your case you will receive a “Notice of Commencement.” It details all the important information about your case. It has the case number, the date and time of your 341A hearing First Meeting of Creditors, where that meeting will be held, who your Chapter 7 or 13 Trustee is and a bunch of other information and deadlines. ...

WARNING

Tax refunds are pledged to the Chapter 13 Plan in all orders confirming plans, and you must give your federal and state tax returns to the Chapter 13 Trustee each and every year you are in Chapter 13. So they know what you refund is and will demand it. ...

I have lots of clients who only owe credit card debt to the big banks and pay them for years, and when it snowballs beyond their ability to pay from current earnings, they dip into their savings and retirement instead of even considering bankruptcy. They do so mainly to avoid feelings of guilt. ...