How to File for Bankruptcy in Idaho

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The two most common forms of bankruptcy are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Without a very experienced bankruptcy attorney assisting you, it is highly likely that a person will become very confused as to how and what exactly must be filed and highly likely that such person will lose more property than necessary. Avery Law wants to simplify the process for you and walk with you every step of the way. Our team of attorneys has more than a combined six decades of valuable legal experience to apply to your case.

How to Claim Bankruptcy in Idaho

Overview of Idaho’s Bankruptcy Filing Process

The journey of going through bankruptcy requires multiple steps. Here is a brief overview of the bankruptcy filing process in Idaho:

• Attend Pre-Bankruptcy Counseling & Pre-Discharge Education
• Determine Which Exemptions You Qualify for
• Compile and Submit Your Bankruptcy Forms
• Submit a Chapter 13 Repayment Plan
• Attend a Meeting of Creditors
• Wait for Your Bankruptcy Discharge

Attend Pre-Bankruptcy Counseling & Pre-Discharge Education

Under the 2005 Bankruptcy Act, all debtors must participate in credit counseling within six months prior to filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The bankruptcy code requires that people filing for bankruptcy know their options before continuing.

You must be able to show that you received credit counseling from an agency approved by the U.S. Trustee’s office before you file any paperwork. If you do not complete the counseling you will not be able to be a debtor in bankruptcy, the counseling session can run from 1 to 2 hours. After you’ve filed, you must also complete a pre-discharge debtor education course before you can officially receive a bankruptcy discharge.

Approved Idaho credit counseling agencies can be found here.

Exemptions for Keeping Your Property After Bankruptcy

Many people want to know if they can keep their car or house through bankruptcy. Some hold off on filing for bankruptcy due to concerns of losing their essential property. However, filers in Idaho have many options for keeping their home, vehicle, and more through bankruptcy exemptions.

Bankruptcy exemptions clarify which property and assets you get to keep. Exemptions apply to both chapters, but may affect you differently based on how you file.

In Idaho, you cannot use any federal bankruptcy exemptions; instead, you must use the Idaho state exemptions. Married couples who file jointly may double these exemption amounts with the exception of the homestead exemption.

Compile and Submit Your Bankruptcy Forms

The forms you are required to fill out will depend on whether you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. These forms can include a bankruptcy petition, certain schedules regarding your financial information, and the means test form. This involves creating an itemized list of your current sources of income, major transactions occurring over the past two years, monthly living expenses, all secured and unsecured debts, and all assets. Tax returns, title deeds, and loan documents are also relevant.

It is imperative you remain truthful and thorough during this step. If a judge or your creditors suspect or have reason to believe you have falsified or omitted certain information from your bankruptcy filing, the outcome of your case could be jeopardized. Once these forms have been completed and all financial documents are collected, you and your attorney will need to file a petition and several other forms with your local Idaho district bankruptcy court.

How Much Does it Cost to File Bankruptcy In Idaho?

In Idaho, Chapter 7 filings are subject to a non-waivable $335 filing fee, though in certain situations you may be able to pay it in installments. The fee for filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy is $310 and must be paid in full at once.

Immediately after filing, you will be protected from all forms of creditor harassment and collection efforts under automatic stay. Creditors may not contact you, attempt to claim your property, or pursue foreclosure.

Pertinent bankruptcy forms can be found here.

Submit a Chapter 13 Repayment Plan

If you are filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a repayment plan must also be submitted for approval. While Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidating your assets to satisfy creditors, Chapter 13 involves a reorganization of your finances to repay creditors over a period of three to five years.

If approved, these payments must be made in full and on time throughout the duration of your payment plan. In many cases, payments can be automatically deducted from your wages. Your lawyer can help you establish an acceptable payment arrangement with the courts.

Attend a Meeting of Creditors

Your bankruptcy trustee will arrange a meeting of creditors about one month after filing for either form of bankruptcy. Commonly referred to as a “341 meeting,” this meeting provides your creditors the opportunity to question you under oath about your financial affairs. Creditors are more likely to attend a Chapter 13 meeting than a Chapter 7 meeting to question the terms of a person’s proposed repayment plan. Your attorney will negotiate any disputes that should arise during this meeting. If no challenges are proposed by your creditors, your plan will be approved at a subsequent court hearing before a judge.

Wait for Your Bankruptcy Discharge

This is also based on the chapter under which you file. Chapter 7 is generally much quicker and can be resolved in as little as four months. Because a repayment plan is included in Chapter 13, a discharge may not become official until between three and five years after you being paying off certain debts.

Start the Filing Process Today with Our Boise Metro Bankruptcy Lawyer

While there is a great deal of information involved with the bankruptcy process, the end results can be well worth it. Filing for bankruptcy can help you get out of debt and achieve a fresh start to your finances. Our firm looks forward to helping you achieve the best possible outcome.