Couple of questions

[mike9302]

I filed bankruptcy this past Monday. When I got up to the clerks window to file the paperwork they kind of looked at me funny like "Your doing this without an attorney". I mean there were 3 of them going over my packet and they acted like they were definetley going to find something wrong. Well they only found one thing wrong. I forgot to sign the page to certify my creditor matrix and they let me hand fill it out right there.

Well I suffer from anxiety and some social anxiety and get really nervous around people. I can do things on my own with no problem but blank out with anxiety around others. But I realized they never asked for my pay statements or tax records. I looked on pacer and in the docket section it has a list of things that were missing and the proof of income is is the only thing and the case risks dismissal if not submitted in a timely manner. I called the clerk and they said to send it to the trustee. I have her email address but should I fax them to her, email it as an attachment? Also should I send 6 months of pay stubs or should I send tax papers with income?

I am nervous and shaking about this case. The 341 meeting is on the 25th of this month and I am scared of passing out when I am called as I will be alone and surely be looked at by other attorneys like "Is he nuts!" to go at this alone. I am also afraid that they will find mistakes and tear me up in that court and I would be embarrased. I am filing a case with no assets and all credit card debt. The only possessions I have are my truck which I will reafirm, a 1984 Bronco II which is worthless and just an offroad play toy, and a 1996 Toyota Camry which is my sisters that I cosigned, it is paid off and worth about 3550.00 and I put my exemption of 3,000 to it so I am sure it is safe.

I know I am rambling but I am already stressing and nervous as hell. I couldnt afford an attorney though.

[liz417]

Hi Mike,
First of all, welcome to this board and congrats on taking that first step and filing. We have a few Pro Se filers here, so I'm sure they'll come along soon with their opinions. I'm sure the clerks were just double-checking to make sure all your paperwork was in order...don't worry so much. Did the clerk say how she wanted you to send the documents in?
You are not going to be "tear you up in court", just be honest and answer all the Trustees questions. The trustee is looking for hidden assest and things, so if you have nothing to hid, relax. Take some time this weekend and read, read, read about experiences from the other posters on this forum who have been there, done that. Now that you've filed, sit back and try to relax and wait for your 341.

Good Luck!

[rfassett]

mike9302, I am a fellow pro-se'er. Filed, November 2nd, 2007 and discharged April 14th, 2008. First thing you need to do is take a few deep breaths. Try to relax. You think much more clearly in a relaxed state of mind. OK. Now, my recollection is that I was missing paystubs also and the court sent me a notice stating that if the error was not corrected within 15 days, the case would face dismissal. They, the court, received the documents the day I received the notice. I faxed six months of pay stubs to the clerk of courts for it to be added to my filing. I also followed that with hard copy via mail. Now if you are close enough to hand carry it, all the better. It was an hour and a half drive for me.

As to the 341, do yourself a favor. Those meetings are not secured (in the sense that anybody can walk in). They are held in a big room with lots of people waiting their turn. Check on pacer and see when there will be a 341 meeting taking place in your area and just go and sit and watch - and learn. This won't be your meeting so there will be no pressure. Just take a seat in the back of the room and watch and listen for an hour or so. You will be much more relaxed and more prepared when it is your turn to go to your own meeting.

As to sending the paystubs to the trustee, once you know who the trustee assigned to your case is going to be, call the trustee's office and inquire from the trustee (or his/her secretary) just exactly what it is that you need to submit to him/her and within what time frame.

Most fears are born out of the unknown. So make the unknown to be known and your fears amazing disappear.

Just my thoughts! Good luck!

[AngelinaCatHub]

mike9302, I am a fellow pro-se'er. Filed, November 2nd, 2007 and discharged April 14th, 2008. First thing you need to do is take a few deep breaths. Try to relax. You think much more clearly in a relaxed state of mind. OK. Now, my recollection is that I was missing paystubs also and the court sent me a notice stating that if the error was not corrected within 15 days, the case would face dismissal. They, the court, received the documents the day I received the notice. I faxed six months of pay stubs to the clerk of courts for it to be added to my filing. I also followed that with hard copy via mail. Now if you are close enough to hand carry it, all the better. It was an hour and a half drive for me.

As to the 341, do yourself a favor. Those meetings are not secured (in the sense that anybody can walk in). They are held in a big room with lots of people waiting their turn. Check on pacer and see when there will be a 341 meeting taking place in your area and just go and sit and watch - and learn. This won't be your meeting so there will be no pressure. Just take a seat in the back of the room and watch and listen for an hour or so. You will be much more relaxed and more prepared when it is your turn to go to your own meeting.

As to sending the paystubs to the trustee, once you know who the trustee assigned to your case is going to be, call the trustee's office and inquire from the trustee (or his/her secretary) just exactly what it is that you need to submit to him/her and within what time frame.

Most fears are born out of the unknown. So make the unknown to be known and your fears amazing disappear.

Just my thoughts! Good luck!