Rights And Responsibilities Agreement Between Chapter 7 Debtors And Their Attorneys {MOW-2016-1.3}

MOW 2016-1.3 (5/22/07) IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI IN RE: ) ) ) ) ) ) Case No. Debtors. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHAPTER 7 DEBTORS AND THEIR ATTORNEYS It is important for persons who file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case to understand their rights and responsibilities. It is also important for them to know what their attorneys' responsibilities are and the necessity of communicating openly with their attorneys to make the case successful. Attorneys' clients also are entitled to expect certain services to be performed by their attorneys. In order to assure that clients and their attorneys understand their rights and responsibilities in the bankruptcy process, the following Rights and Responsibilities have been adopted by the Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Missouri. The signatures below indicate that the responsibilities outlined in the agreement have been accepted by the Clients and their attorneys. Nothing in this agreement is intended to modify, enlarge or abridge the rights and responsibilities of a "debt relief agency," as that term is defined and used in 11 U.S.C. § 101, et seq. Any attorney retained to represent you in a Chapter 7 case is responsible for representing you on all matters arising in the case (unless otherwise agreed as to adversary proceedings or otherwise ordered by the Court). The attorney may not withdraw from a bankruptcy case in this District unless (a) the attorney and you agree to the attorney's withdrawal and another attorney enters the case on your behalf, or (b) the Court, after notice and a hearing, approves an attorney's motion for withdrawal or substitution of attorneys. When appropriate, the attorney may apply to the Court for compensation that is additional to the maximum initial fees set out in this agreement. I. 1. 2. BEFORE THE CASE IS FILED, YOU AGREE TO TIMELY: Discuss with your attorney your goals in filing the case. Cooperate with your attorney in preparing all required bankruptcy papers and documents, thoroughly reviewing drafts of documents, and advising your attorney of corrections needed. Provide your attorney with all documentation he or she requests, including but not limited to accurate copies of the following documents: American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkflow.com 3. a. Certificate of Credit Counseling, together with the debt repayment plan, if any, prepared by the nonprofit budget and credit counseling agency that provided individual counseling services to you prior to bankruptcy. Proof of income you received from all sources in the 6-month period before your case was filed. Some examples include paycheck stubs, Social Security statements, worker's compensation payments, income from rental property, pensions, disability payments, self-employment income, child and spousal support, and other payments. If you are self-employed or own a business, you should provide report(s) disclosing monthly income and expenses for the 6-month period before the case was filed. Federal and state income tax returns, or transcripts of returns, for the most recently ended tax year, as well as any other returns requested by your attorney. Proof of your identity and Social Security number. Some examples are your driver's license, passport, or other document containing your photograph. A record of your interest, if any, in an educational individual retirement account or a qualified State tuition program. The name, address and telephone number of any person or state agency to whom you owe back child or spousal support or make current child or spousal support payments. Include all supporting documents for the payments. Some examples of supporting documents are a court order, a declaration of voluntary support payments, a separation agreement, a divorce decree, and a property settlement agreement. Any insurance policies requested by your attorney. Documents relating to any inheritance to which you are entitled. Documents relating to any legal action in which you are a party. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. II. AFTER THE CASE IS FILED, YOU AGREE TO TIMELY AND PROMPTLY COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE CHAPTER 7 RULES AND PROCEDURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: Attend the § 341(a) meeting of creditors at the time(s) ordered. Keep the Chapter 7 trustee and your attorney informed of your current address and telephone number and employment status. 2 American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkflow.com 1. 2. 3. Inform your attorney of any wage garnishments, seizure of assets or liens that occur or continue after the filing of your bankruptcy case. Provide copies of all federal tax returns or transcripts to your attorney when requested, and pay over to your attorney or the trustee, as directed, the nonexempt portion of any tax refunds. Contact your attorney promptly if you are sued on a scheduled debt or if you file a lawsuit or intend to settle any dispute relating to events that occurred prior to the filing of your bankruptcy case. Provide on a timely basis all information or documentation requested by your attorney, including all information needed to respond to any motion or objection seeking relief in your bankruptcy case. Provide your attorney with any tax returns, account statements, pay stubs, or other documentation necessary to comply with any audit requests. Respond promptly to all communications from your attorney. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. III. BEFORE THE CASE IS FILED, YOUR ATTORNEY AGREES TO PROVIDE ALL SERVICES NECESSARY FOR REPRESENTATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: Attorney will personally*: 1. 2. Meet with you to review your assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. Counsel you regarding the advisability of filing either a chapter 13 or a chapter 7 case, discuss bankruptcy procedures, and answer your questions. Review the completed petition, statements, schedules, and all amendments with you. Explain to you the attorney's fees that are being charged in the case, how and when those attorney's fees are determined and paid, and whether additional fees will be charged for representation in adversary proceedings that might be filed in the case. Provide a fully signed copy of this document to you. 3. 4. 5. With the assistance of staff under his or her supervision, your attorney will: 6. Verify the number and status of any prior bankruptcy case(s) filed by you or any related entity. 3 American LegalNet, Inc. www.FormsWorkflow.com 7. Timely prepare and file your petition, statements, schedules, requir