While filing bankruptcy is not a physical process, helping individuals with disabilities to file may require some additional steps. My office has helped numerous individuals with physical disabilities. Vision, hearing, and other physical disabilities may cause some small challenges when filing bankruptcy, but it is very little trouble to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Individuals filing bankruptcy are required to read and sign their petition, and other information related to their bankruptcy filing. If a filer is vision impaired, this can be an issue. I will make sure that a close family member or friend is present throughout the process to assist the filer in understanding the material. Also, I will take the extra step to read all bankruptcy materials to my vision impaired clients. This will insure that there are no questions or doubts about what they are signing. Every client needs to understand everything they are signing. It may take a little extra time, but it is time well-spent. When the Trustee asks if the filer has read and reviewed the bankruptcy petition, the answer needs to be a clear and affirmative, "yes".
Bankruptcy filers with hearing loss will need to be prepared for the bankruptcy meeting of creditors. At the meeting of creditors, the trustee will ask a series of questions under oath. A sign language interpreter will need to be requested beforehand. In addition, it would be best if a sign language interpreter is available throughout the preparation process to make sure that all information being submitted is true and correct. While I gather extensive information via e-mail and regular mail with many clients, it will still be necessary to speak at some point before the hearing. The more information that can be conveyed, the better.
My office and the meeting of creditors location are both accessible to disabled persons. If the disability is particularly severe, a telephonic meeting of creditors can be requested beforehand, though I will need time to prepare and file the motion. Make sure to request early. I will also make in-home visits in these cases, so there is no reason a disabled person should be unable to file, just because of their physical disability. The additional challenges involved are minor.
If you or someone you know is disabled and is considering bankruptcy, contact us to discuss the situation and schedule a free consultation. I'll take any step possible to help them through their financial situation.