Deficiency Memo: Does This Mean My Bankruptcy Has Been Thrown Out?

Understanding Deficiency Memos & The Types Of Bankruptcy

If you have recently filed bankruptcy, you should be checking your mail regularly for notices from the court and your bankruptcy trustee. A common notice bankruptcy filers receive is a deficiency memo. Our clients often call us in a panic when they receive the memo. Depending on how your case was filed, receiving this notice shouldn’t be cause for alarm.

A deficiency memo will typically be titled “Notice to Filer of Errors and/or Deficiencies.” It will also specify if your case was filed electronically. There are a few boxes available to be checked that will explain why you are receiving the notice. The checked option may read something along the lines of, “Document filed is incomplete. . .”

A standard bankruptcy requires many documents to draft, like tax returns, paystubs, identification, vehicle registrations, divorce and child support documents, bank statements, and so on. Some filers need the automatic stay of protection provided by bankruptcy before they can produce these documents. In this case, they will typically file an emergency/skeleton petition. This petition requires far fewer documents than a standard petition. The court will give you two weeks to submit your full petition after filing an emergency/skeleton petition. This means you intentionally filed an incomplete bankruptcy petition. If this is the case, you shouldn’t worry unless you received the notice AFTER your second petition is filed.

The 2 most popular Chapters of bankruptcy in Mesa and throughout Arizona are Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Our experienced Arizona Bankruptcy Attorneys have helped many people in Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona with their debt relief issues by filing for bankruptcy protection.

Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Arizona

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the most popular chapter of bankruptcy in Arizona. Additionally, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the type of bankruptcy that virtually wipes the slate clean of unsecured debt including: (credit cards, medical debt, non-secured personal loans and lines of credit, amounts owed on leases, amounts owed after vehicle repossessions and more). Keep in mind, an individual or couple must qualify for chapter 7 to get chapter 7 relief. Our bankruptcy attorneys in Tempe, Phoenix, and Mesa are experienced professionals who will determine, not only if you are a candidate for chapter 7 debt relief, but also, given your current state of affairs, how it would impact you.

Filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Arizona

Arizona Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney with affordable fees and experience.

Filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a great form of debt relief that many people in Arizona use to save their home. Learn more about bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy foreclosure in Phoenix and Arizona. Keep in mind, not everybody qualifies to file for chapter 13 bankruptcy relief, however, many people do. Contact our Arizona Chapter Bankruptcy attorneys to see if declaring Chapter 13 bankruptcy may help you with your debt relief need.

We realize that filing bankruptcy is a life-changing event. Through our experience and many bankruptcy filings, we know that no 2 bankruptcies are the same and we take a unique approach to each case. Our AZ bankruptcy attorneys approach each case with the respect, compassion and understanding you deserve while delivering effective solutions to improve your life. Additionally, our bankruptcy lawyers in Arizona provide a free, no risk, initial consultation and answer any questions you may have.

Filing Zero Down Bankruptcy in Arizona

If you are using a Zero Down Bankruptcy program, whether or not it is an emergency situation, your case will be emergency/skeleton filed. This is to satisfy the requirements of bifurcation, a process explained in our Zero Down articles. As with emergency cases, this notice shouldn’t be cause for concern unless it is received after your second petition is filed.

Check your notice carefully if you didn’t file emergency or Zero Down bankruptcy. The deficiency will need to be addressed promptly to ensure your case isn’t dismissed. You should contact your Tempe bankruptcy attorney as soon as possible. If you are filing pro se, or unrepresented, you should have a consultation with an attorney. Your attorney should be able to fix the mistake and get your case reinstated.

Bankruptcy is a complicated process, and receiving a deficiency memo is just one of the many obstacles you may encounter. If you are considering bankruptcy, know you don’t have to do it alone. Our office offers free consultations, affordable prices, and Zero Down payment plan options. We go the extra mile to make bankruptcy accessible for everyone. Call to schedule your free consultation today.