Don’ts in Preparing to File Bankruptcy

1. Don’t use your credit cards.
2. Don’t run up your credit cards in advance of filing bankruptcy.
3. Don’t take credit card cash advances.
4. Don’t use credit card convenience checks.
5. Don’t do credit card balance transfers.
6. Don’t write bad checks.
7. Don’t borrow money.
8. Don’t take out “payday loans”.
9. Don’t pay money to family, friends or relatives.
10. Don’t give away property to anyone.
11. Don’t accept gifts that could put your income above median.
12. Don’t pay more than $600 on any past due bill.
13. Don’t transfer property to anyone.
14. Don’t cash out retirement plans or 401ks.
15. Don’t hide assets or debts.
16. Don’t omit or “save” a credit card for after your bankruptcy.
17. Don’t fail to list debt owed to family, friends or relatives.
18. Don’t gamble.
19. Don’t put your money in someone else’s bank account.
20. Don’t add or remove your name from anyone else’s bank account.
21. Don’t make major financial decisions without talking to your attorney.
22. Don’t tell a creditor that you intend to pay.
23. Don’t leave assets off of your paperwork.
24. Don’t file if you are about to receive a tax refund or inheritance. Discuss the timing with your attorney.
25. Don’t fail to tell your attorney about your small business, sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, LLP, LC, corporation, or hobby.
26. Don’t purchase a home shortly before filing bankruptcy without consulting your attorney.
27. Don’t take out a second mortgage.
28. Don’t forget to tell your attorney about liens you may have on your home or unpaid judgments so they can be avoided.
29. Don’t get married before filing if your spouse has a high income.
30. Don’t misrepresent facts to your attorney.
31. Don’t hide from your attorney. Keep him up to date with your address, phone number, and email address.
32. Don’t keep money in a bank account at a bank to which you are indebted.