DO I HAVE TO GO TO COURT IF I FILE BANKRUPTCY?

Normally, you can file bankruptcy without ever stepping in a court room.  Without question you will have to attend a meeting with the bankruptcy trustee, but this isn't a court proceeding and no judgments can be made at this meeting.  Everyone who files bankruptcy, whether chapter 7 or chapter 13, has to attend this meeting with his or her attorney.  It is simply a chance for the trustee to ask you a few questions under oath regarding the truthfulness of your bankruptcy paperwork.  For chapter 13 filers, a confirmation hearing with the judge is scheduled to occur about a month after the trustee meeting, but many times this hearing can be avoided if your attorney is able to work with the trustee on any concerns the trustee may have with the Chapter 13 Plan.  There are other instances, mostly in chapter 13 cases, where you could possibly need to attend a court hearing.  But for the average chapter 7 or chapter 13 filer, you will never have to appear in court.  Adam Brown is a bankruptcy attorney for Dexter & Dexter, a debt relief agency helping people file for bankruptcy.