Many times my bankruptcy clients wonder why I ask them to put a value on things like clothing, old furniture, and costume jewelry. Who could possibly want them? They have no real value.
I have various answers, but they all boil down to the fact that no matter what its value, what you own is an asset, and it must be disclosed. A bankruptcy petition is a written statement made under oath, and failure to disclose something is at the very best embarrassing and at the very worst a felony that could lose you your discharge.
Bankruptcy Trustees Check for Assets
Bankruptcy trustees look for completeness in disclosure, not just value in assets. A good friend of mine who is a trustee once said to me, "If the debtor isn't telling me everything about their household furnishings, what else aren't they telling me?" He will ask a debtor, who did not list a car as an asset or a lease of one, "How did you get to the meeting today?"
Or, as one trustee in South Carolina put it, to a debtor who did not list any clothing as an asset, "Were you naked when you signed the petition?" Value must also make sense, even if it is on a distressed, yard sale basis. My friend has also asked, "Are you really telling me that you own a 3,000 square foot house and only have $1,000 worth of furniture in it?"
Disclose All Assets to Your Bankruptcy Attorney
Please bear in mind when you are thinking about bankruptcy. When you meet with your attorney to prepare your petition, thoroughness is very important. You cannot leave anything out. Disclose everything and work with him or her to make sure that nothing gets left out. The thing to remember is this: it matters not its value; it matters that you own it!
But Do I Need an Attorney?
Omitting an asset can have a serious negative effect on your bankruptcy! You need an attorney to make sure everything is complete, and avoid many other complications you may not see coming!
So, if you live in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem or Cumberland County, are considering filing bankruptcy, and are ready to take action, then call my office at 856-432-4113 or contact me through this site for a free consultation in my Woodbury office to discuss your case.
If you are looking for more information about bankruptcy, then download my free book, Top Questions People Ask About Filing Bankruptcy in New Jersey.
Not sure if bankruptcy is right for you? Take the quiz to the right to find out more!
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