Legal Services of Northern Virginia
Debtors’ Rights Clinic and Bankruptcy
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What is the Debtors’ Rights Clinic? |
What is the Debtors’ Rights Clinic?
This clinic reviews LSNV’s bankruptcy procedures with clients, provides an overview of the bankruptcy court process, and tells you if you are a good applicant for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection.
These clinics are held once a month, beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Falls Church Office, 6606 Leesburg Pike, Suite 500, Falls Church, Virginia 22041, Tel. No. (703) 778-6800.
Attendance at one of these Debtors’ Rights Clinics is mandatory before an Applicant is considered for referral to a pro bono bankruptcy attorney.
The following dates – subject to change - in 2008 for the Clinic are:
September 17
October 15
November 12
December 10
LSNV utilizes a screening process to determine when a bankruptcy is appropriate. This analysis focuses on whether there are alternatives that may be sufficient, and whether the timing of a filing is appropriate–to protect income or property. Those clients for whom bankruptcy makes sense are given "homework" (LSNV Bankruptcy Questionnaire) to complete. This homework is designed to assist the clients to gather the required information and documentation for a final assessment.
Pro Bono Bankruptcy Panel
Clients who appear to meet need criteria for bankruptcy are referred to members of a panel of private bankruptcy attorneys who have agreed to offer pro bono assistance. The pro bono volunteers make the final decision about need for bankruptcy relief. At present, the pro bono panel only offers help with Chapter 7 filings, not with Chapter 13 cases. Attorneys experienced in handling either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases are needed, to handle cases and to assist with training of volunteers. Currently, no attorney training is scheduled.
Waiver of Filing Fee
For information regarding the waiver of the bankruptcy filing fee or a request that it can be paid in installments, go to LSNV’s Information Bankruptcy Court Filing Fee - Application for Waiver of Fee or Request for Payment of Fee in Installments.
For more information, contact Russell Hatchl, Esq. LSNV Pro Bono Coordinator, by e-mail, by telephone at (703) 778-6812 or fax (703) 778-4790. Mr. Hatchl’s address is Legal Services of Northern Virginia, 6066 Leesburg Pike, Suite 500, Falls Church, VA 22041.