Resources
Courts, bar associations, and checklists
The places and tools we point clients to before and after filing. If something here doesn't make sense, ask us at your consultation.
Courts
Local and federal courts
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Ohio
Where Northeast Ohio bankruptcy cases are filed. The court has a Canton courthouse. Find hearing calendars, local rules, and court locations.
Stark County courts
Foreclosure cases and many collection lawsuits are filed in the Stark County Court of Common Pleas. Court and clerk information is on the county website.
U.S. Trustee Program
The Justice Department office that oversees bankruptcy cases. It keeps the list of approved credit counseling and debtor education providers.
Bar associations
Lawyer referral and attorney information
Stark County Bar Association
Canton-based bar association with a lawyer referral service and a grievance process for complaints about attorneys practicing in Stark County.
Akron Bar Association
Serves Summit County, with a lawyer referral service and community legal programs.
Ohio State Bar Association
Statewide bar association with plain-language legal guides for Ohio residents.
Before your appointment
Documents to start gathering
You don't need all of this for the free consultation. You will need it before we file.
Pay stubs for the last six months
Federal and state tax returns for the last two years
Statements for every bank account
A recent statement from everyone you owe
Mortgage, lease, and car loan papers
Any lawsuit, garnishment, or foreclosure papers
Photo ID and Social Security card
Other tools
Credit and housing
Free credit reports
Pull your reports from all three bureaus before filing so we can list every creditor, and again after discharge to check that your debts show as discharged.
HUD-approved housing counselors
Free counseling for homeowners behind on their mortgage. Search for an agency by ZIP code.
Glossary
Words you'll hear
Automatic stay
The court order that stops most collection the moment your case is filed.
Trustee
The person appointed to review your case. In Chapter 13, the trustee also collects your payments and pays creditors.
Means test
The calculation that decides whether your income allows you to file Chapter 7.
Exemptions
Ohio laws that protect certain property, like a set amount of home equity and your retirement accounts, from the trustee.
341 meeting
The meeting of creditors, named for the section of the Bankruptcy Code that requires it. The trustee asks you questions under oath. Creditors rarely attend.
Reaffirmation
An agreement to keep paying a debt, usually a car loan, so you can keep the property after Chapter 7.
Discharge
The court order that ends your legal obligation to pay the debts covered by your case.