After a long spring of dark news and constant worry as we shelter in place, the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic is beginning to show signs of lifting. However, while states are relaxing aspects of the coronavirus lock down, many of us are still coping with work, communication, and other parts of our lives remotely.
Minnesota district courts implemented a preparedness plan outlining how they will navigate in the face of COVID-19, but civil cases like bankruptcy are still being conducted largely through remote contact. If you’re struggling with debt and considering filing a bankruptcy case during this unsure time, you can benefit greatly from the advice and guidance of an expert bankruptcy attorney in Pipestone, MN and the surrounding area. Behm Law Group, Ltd. attorneys offer the skill, knowledge, and experience you need to navigate a case in times like this when bankruptcy rules are changing rapidly to address the circumstances of the coronavirus outbreak.
Fortunately for all parties involved, bankruptcy is a legal process that can, in part, be done remotely. With phone, video conferencing, email, and other remote contact resources, you can work through the preparation process with relative efficiency. On the other hand, understanding the new rules when it comes to those remote processes can be difficult, and accessibility to continually updated information is less than ideal. Currently, the basic conditions of filing under quarantine include remote scheduling of the following:
- Meetings with your bankruptcy attorney: These can be scheduled over the phone or through video conferencing. Attorneys can provide online drop boxes for forms and all signatures. Your lawyer has the ability to conduct the 341 meeting of creditors with the trustee remotely.
- Meeting of creditors: The meeting of the creditors (or 341 meeting) is one of your bankruptcy requirements. All creditors may attend, as well as the trustee, the bankruptcy filer, and the bankruptcy filer’s attorney. Currently, these meetings are scheduled through video conferencing or telephonically.
- Credit counseling: One other bankruptcy requirement that can be conducted in person is credit counseling. All filers must complete a credit counseling course through a court-approved agency within 180 days prior to filing their bankruptcy petition. These counseling sessions are now being scheduled remotely through various means.
- Document exchange: Finally, all document exchanges between the filer, court, trustee, creditors, and bankruptcy attorney can be done digitally. This includes the suspension of wet (in person) signature requirements. In addition to electronic document exchanges, attorneys are providing digital packets that unpack the nuanced and complicated rules of current filing conditions for bankruptcy.
Overall, courts and attorneys have reacted quickly to state shutdowns and other coronavirus conditions, putting remote options into place and changing rules as things progress. To start your filing process remotely, contact Behm Law Group, Ltd. today at (507) 387-7200 or stephen@mankatobankruptcy.com for a trusted, experienced bankruptcy attorney in Pipestone, MN.
