INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING RAPID IMPORT (also known as "StopMyBills.com") :
PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS BELOW BEFORE STARTING
PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS INFORMATION THOROUGHLY, FROM BEGINNING TO END. PLEASE USE THIS GUIDE AS YOU FILL OUT THE ONLINE FORM. IT IS DESIGNED TO MAKE THIS PROCESS AS SMOOTH AS POSSIBLE. PLEASE REMEMBER YOU ARE NOT ALONE. WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU. HOWEVER, WE CAN ONLY HELP YOU WHEN YOU PROVIDE ACCURATE, COMPLETE INFORMATION.
It is best to gather all of the information listed in this document BEFORE you begin to enter it into RAPID IMPORT. This will save you a tremendous amount of time and frustration. Our goal is to make this process as quick and easy as possible for you!
Please do not try to enter all this data in one sitting. It takes most people several days, working a few hours a day, to complete the entire questionnaire. Therefore, be kind to yourself and set a limit on how long you work on this process.
It is essential that you login using your social security number the first time to start entering your information. If you need to logout and come back later, be sure to click on "Finish Later" at the top of the page. When you return to Rapid Import / stopmybills.com, you will need to enter "drain" as the Attorney I.D. and the same social security number you used the first time you logged in. All of your information from previous sessions will be saved so that you can pick up where you left off.
Rapid Import uses 128-bit data encryption: the most secure encryption available at this time. This is the same encryption used by online banking systems, and the information you provide can only be accessed by you and by our office. We do not file your bankruptcy until you give us permission to do so; so filling out these forms has no affect on your credit and is not transmitted to any other party. This information allows us to have forms ready for you to review at our first meeting, which will save you a great deal of time.
IMPORTANT: The Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2005 requires that every Debtor provide a complete and accurate listing of all of their assets and liabilities (debts). Should you fail to provide correct information, your bankruptcy case can be dismissed and you can be prosecuted — resulting in a sentence up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
All of the information contained in your bankruptcy documents must be completely accurate. You will be asked to determine the value of your assets. It is your responsibility to obtain these values and retain proof of the source of the values (where possible). If you use the Internet, classified ads, or other source for the values, please save or print a copy.
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General Information Applicable Throughout the Data-Entry Process:
IF YOU ARE MARRIED: the husband’s information needs to be first and the wife’s information entered as "Spouse"; no matter who is filling out the form. The standardized bankruptcy document instructions require this procedure to be followed: bankruptcy law requires this order of names for uniformity.
LOCATION OF EACH ITEM: please enter "Debtor's Residence" as long as the item is truly in your possession. If the item is not in your possession, please enter the accurate location of the item, such as "Storage Unit" or another person's name and address if the item is located at their home.
VALUE OF REAL ESTATE: A realtor can help determine the value of your property. Online resources such as www.zillow.com and www.maricopa.gov/assessor can also provide estimates of a home's value (please note that Zillow values can be somewhat higher than the value for which your home would actually sell, and the assessor's value tends to be below resale value).
VALUE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY: estimated value is sufficient - such as yard sale value, park-n-swap value, pawn shop value. If you are unsure of the value of the item, you may wish to take it to a pawn shop to see what they would offer you for it. To obtain the value of your vehicles, you may wish to use www.kbb.com www.edmunds.com www.nadaguides.com www.redbook.com www.carquotes.com — please print or save any supporting information you find there. Please keep in mind during this process that you determine the value of your property, so you need to be comfortable with the values you list in your paperwork.
Rapid Import will ask for information in the same order as the instructions below. Please pay close attention to these instructions. For some questions, you'll need to inventory your property (for example one question will ask you to list individual pieces of furniture instead of just listing "furniture" or "household goods"). For other questions, you'll need to only put a generic label (such as "library," instead of listing the title or quantity of every book or CD you own).
Below is a list of all the information that you will be asked to enter into Rapid Import. It is important that you complete this information fully, and to best of your knowledge. This information will be used to prepare your bankruptcy documents. It is very important that you completely fill in all applicable areas. Anything you do not fill out now may need to be filled out before you meet with Ms. Drain; so the process will go much more smoothly if you complete it accurately now. Do not fill out the questions only partially with the thought that you will "gather information later"; you will likely forget to fill out the information, and then Jay will require it before you can meet with Ms. Drain. These online forms are here to streamline your bankruptcy, minimize your frustration, and make the entire process as quick and effortless as possible for you.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: List ALL of your debts. The primary concept of bankruptcy is the fresh start it can provide you. If you leave out a creditor from the list, there can be serious consequences concerning that creditor: that creditor may have the right to reopen your bankruptcy or even sue you. Please be especially thorough and conscientious when completing the debt section.
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Entering Information in Rapid Import:
1) General Information: (Husband First)
Name, Phone Numbers, Address, Mailing Address (if different from mailing address)
The following areas will be requested: brief description ("primary residence" / "rental property" / "raw land" are common answers here), estimated value, location (street address) of the property, and owner's name.
2) Property: (this is ALL of your assets)
A) Real Estate Property (land, house, townhouse)
Example: Brief
Description: 3 bed / 2
bath / 1800 sq ft,
List the
month & year the property was purchased
Estimated Value:
$__ (what your property would sell for today)
Where is this property located?: Address
Owner: Husband, Wife, Joint?
B) Personal Property: These are items that you own (not that you are holding for someone else):
1) All
checking, savings, or other financial
accounts (excluding stocks/bonds/IRA’s)
2) Security deposits not yet returned to you
(usually applies if you are renting a home or apartment)
3) Household goods or furnishings:
This is one item for which you will need an inventory,
not just a generic label. The easiest way to do
this is to
inventory the large and/or expensive items in your home and storage. Do not forget items that you may have in a storage unit, something
someone else may have of yours, or your garage. **NOTE: There is only room for 100 characters in the description. Combine as many as items
as possible and then combine the total yard-sale value of the items listed for the Estimated Value. Make as many of these combined entries as
you need.
Example: 2 couches, love seat, 2 end tables, coffee
table, 6 lamps, 2TV/stands, 2 book shelves
Estimated Value (yard sale
value): $250.00
Where is the property
located? Debtors residence, storage unit,
someone’s house, etc..
Owner: Husband, Wife, Joint?
If purchased while married then the owner is "joint"
4) Books, music, collectibles, or other art do not
list all your books, CD, etc, just state "library" and
identify the yard sale value
5) Clothing - do
not list all your clothes, just state "clothing" and
identify the yard sale value
6) Furs and Jewelry - list watches separately, list
wedding/engagement rings separately, list all other
jewelry in one lump sum, then
add up the
values and enter the total value in the
"value" box. **For example: wedding rings ($1500)
watches ($200) jewelry ($300):"total value" box $2000.00
7) Firearms or other hobby equipment - just like #6 -
list each firearm separately with its value in
parentheses, then add the values and
put the total
in the value box.
8) Insurance policies you own with cash surrender value
(usually whole-life insurance policies)
9) Annuities
you actually own
10)
Education IRA’s you own
11) IRA or other pension plan you own
12) Stock or ownership (even partial ownership) in
any businesses
13) Ownership (even partial ownership) in partnerships or joint ventures
14) Government or corporate bonds you own
15) Unpaid Alimony or child support you are owed but have not received
16) Any debts owed to you, including a tax
refund you expect to receive
17) Future interest, life estate, special rights or
powers (for example, the right some has given or will
give you to live in a home until
you die).
18) Death benefit plans, life insurance
policies, or trusts - this is money you are entitled to
receive if someone dies. **Note that this
item is different
from #8 because #8 asks about life
insurance policies you own.
19) Do you have the right to sue anyone (such as a
personal injury claim, breach of contract claim, etc.)?
20) Any patents, copyrights, or other
intellectual property you own
21) Any licenses, franchises, mineral rights, or similar
rights you own
22) Customer lists (if you operate a sole proprietorship
business).
23) Automobiles, Trucks, Trailers, or other
ground vehicles. Reminder: you may use the
following websites to help find the value of vehicles:
www.kbb.com www.edmunds.com www.nadaguides.com www.redbook.com www.carquotes.com
24) Boats, motors, boat accessories
25) Aircraft or accessories
26) Any Animals
27) Any other personal
property not listed above.
3) DEBTS: list ALL debts that you owe - NO EXCEPTIONS. Yes, this includes money that you owe your friends and family. Yes, this includes debts on your home, car, credit cards, family doctor, etc. Again, NO EXCEPTIONS. Use your bills/statements, prior records, check books, and credit reports to remind you of all your bills. Include even those credit accounts that have been "written off" or "charged off" because you still owe those debts. Years from now those old debts you did not list may be sold to a collection company that will then sue you. Protect yourself by covering all debts under the fresh-start umbrella of bankruptcy!
VERY IMPORTANT: REGARDING THE DIRECTIONS IN RAPID IMPORT AS RELATED TO THE ENTRY OF CREDITORS - AFTER YOU HAVE ENTERED A CREDITOR, DO NOT CHECK THE BOX THAT ASKS IF THERE ARE ADDITIONAL COLLECTION OR ADDRESSES. INSTEAD LIST EACH CREDITOR AND COLLECTION COMPANY'S ADDRESS SEPARATELY. CALL JAY IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
You will need the following information for each of your creditors. A "creditor" is anyone to whom you owe money or you have an obligation to (such as a contract - lease, etc). A "creditor" is also someone who has a current or potential right to sue you, or is trying to collect on any debt that you owe. Make sure to list anyone who is a party to a lawsuit (other people named in the lawsuit with you), a party to a contract (such as a short sale or loan modification agreement), list your broker/agent from the short sale, and the agent/broker for the other party. List all insurance companies from any accidents and anyone involved in the accident (driver and passengers), plus their attorneys (if any). List people or entities even if you believe they do not have a right to sue you. It is best to list too many creditors listed than to fail to list a creditor who can then sue you after your bankruptcy.
Make sure to include any contracts you want to eliminate, such as: phone contracts, leases, security contracts, phone service or gym memberships.
Secured Creditors: this is a creditor that has a lien or interest in something, such as a house, car, furniture, etc. So when filling out your secured creditors make sure to include a homeowner's association, or anyone else that you make payments to for your home, car, furniture, jewelry, etc.
Unsecured creditors: include everyone who is not a secured creditor. Include collection companies and attorneys.
1) Creditor's Name.
2)
The law requires that you list all addresses
for every creditor received on any mail within the 90
days prior to filing your bankruptcy.
There
are usually 2-3 addresses on each statement or bill.
Make sure to
check the front, back, and all the fine print. If you have several credit cards or debts
with the same creditor then list all account numbers on the
same entry line. There is no reason to list the
same
address more than once. You also should list all
addresses on your credit reports or on any mail received
prior to the 90 days. If you do not have any
bills/statements then use your prior records and the
Internet. We expect to see 2-4 addresses for
each credit card company (to enter more
addresses, click "yes" on has this debt been assigned to
anyone else, and you'll be provided space for up to two
more names and addresses).
If you need to list additional collection companies or
addresses, you'll need to add another creditor and
repeat these steps.
3)
Account Number **Note: a collection company's account
number may be different than the original creditors
account number - it is essential to list the collection
company's different account number.
4) Who is responsible for this
debt: if you are married and the debt was opened while
married then it is a "joint" debt.
If you were not married when the debt was opened then
list the debt as "husband" or "wife".
5)
Date Incurred: (this is the date you opened the
account, you can sometimes find this date on your credit
report)
6)
Amount Due: (do not worry
about the amount changing; DO NOT round numbers;
use the amount due on
the most current statement that you have). If the
debt has been assigned to a collection company, list
the amount owed only on the original creditor's entry (otherwise it will appear that you owe far more than you
really do, which can have negative effects on the filing
of your bankruptcy. Do not list the collection company as
being owed any money - only list this amount on
the original creditor's entry.
7)
What type of debt? (Choose a
classification from the drop-down under "Why do you owe
this debt?" - e.g. car,
house, credit card, medical bills, etc...)
8)
If this account has been assigned to another
company, such as a collection agency or attorney, you
will need the following information: Assignee Name,
address, and account number. List "notice only" in
the amount owed or leave blank. Again, make sure to list
the amount owed only once on the original creditor's entry.
9)
If anyone, other than your current spouse,
co-signed on this debt you will need the following
information: their name, address, and any additional
names they may have used in the last 6 years
IMPORTANT NOTE: REGARDING THE DIRECTIONS IN RAPID IMPORT AS RELATED TO THE ENTRY OF CREDITORS - AFTER YOU HAVE ENTERED A CREDITOR, DO NOT CHECK THE BOX THAT ASKS IF THERE ARE ADDITIONAL COLLECTION OR ADDRESSES. INSTEAD LIST EACH CREDITOR AND COLLECTION COMPANY'S ADDRESS SEPARATELY. CALL JAY IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
Example: ABC Collection Company
Address
Account number
Notice Only - do not list any amount for collection
companies (amounts are only listed for the original creditor)
Collection company for (name of original creditor)
Do not use parenthesis ( ) in your addresses.
** VERY, VERY, IMPORTANT REMINDER!! THE LAW REQUIRES THAT YOU USE ALL ADDRESSES AND ACCOUNT NUMBERS ON ANY STATEMENTS/BILLS/CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM THE CREDITORS OR THEIR COLLECTION COMPANIES IN THE LAST 90 DAYS PRIOR TO FILING YOUR BANKRUPTCY. If you do not, then the creditor's debt may not be erased as part of your company's bankruptcy. Here is the proper process (1) list the addresses from the statements/bills (there are usually 2-4 addresses on the front and back of the statement/bills), (2) then list all creditors or collection companies you have not received bills from in the last 90 days. To find these addresses use your prior records, credit reports and, only if you cannot find any information, then use the Internet. Credit reports are rarely accurate or complete and many medical creditors are not listed.
It is very important that you list the correct addresses for all your company's creditors and collection companies. If we are given a wrong address then the Post Office will return the bankruptcy notice to me. I will then return it to you. You must then obtain a better address, send it to us, we then file it with the Bankruptcy Court. Of course, this office and the Court will charge a fee for that amendment. If the creditor does not receive notice of your bankruptcy, then you are left unprotected, and they may be able to sue you after the bankruptcy is completed.
4) Dependants: you will need to list anyone who lives with you, even if they cannot be claimed on your taxes.
5) Income: the Bankruptcy Code requires that all debtors provide the total amount of income they have earned in the last full six months before filing their bankruptcy case. This includes all commissions, bonuses, gifts given on a regular basis, etc. You will be asked to enter these amounts beginning with last month and working backwards.
* Please remember, if you are married, enter the husband’s income information first, then the wife as the "spouse".*
You will need to list / have available:
A) Your occupation(s)
B) Employer Name
C) Employer Address
D) How long you have been employed there
E) A current pay stub showing all of your withholdings and year-to-date incomeF) Tax returns and most recent pay stub reflecting the last three years' income (including this year).
6) Expenses: (monthly) You are also required to list all normal monthly expenses. Review your bank statements, bills, and pay close attention to those bills that you pay periodically, such as car insurance or car registration fees.
Rent /
Mortgage
Utilities:
~ Electric
~ Water /
Sewer
~ Phone
~ Other
General Expenses:
~ Home
Maintenance
~ Food
~ Clothing
~ Laundry /
Dry Cleaning
~ Medical /
Dental (other than premiums deducted from any pay
checks)
~
Transportation (gas / vehicle maintenance)
~ Recreation
~ Charitable
Contributions
Insurance:
~ Homeowners
/ Renters (only if it is not included in a mortgage or
rent payment)
~ Life
Insurance
~ Health
Insurance (other than premiums deducted from an pay
checks)
~ Auto
Insurance
~ Other
(please specify)
Installment Payments:
~ Auto
~ Other
(please specify)
Other Monthly Expenses:
~ Taxes
~ Alimony
~ Payment
for Dependants
~ Business
expenses
~
Miscellaneous (please specify)
7) Means test: Previous 6 months income:
In order to make this simpler for you we will enter your income for the the last 6 months. So, at least one week before your first meeting you must fax or e-mail us copies of all paychecks received in the last full 6 months. For instance, if today is March, 13th, you will need all pay stubs back to September of last year. If you do not have a regular paycheck - then send us a statement of income earned each month. Make sure to itemize the deductions from the income. If you do not pay taxes at the time you receive the funds, include any taxes you pay at the end of the year.
You will also need to provide us with statements of any other type of income (other than from employment) for the past two years.
8) Financial Affairs:
You will need to list the following:
You will need to enter the last two full years of annual income tax returns. For instance: if it is March 13th of this year, you will need to know what you have made so far this year, and what you made in past two years. You will need to bring the pay stubs, tax returns, and your calculation of this year's income so far to your meeting with Ms. Drain.
Payments to any creditor totaling more than $600.00 in the last 90 day.
Any debts repaid to relatives, friends, partners, or business associates in the last 12 months
Any lawsuit or legal proceeding you have been involved in during the last 12 months
Any property taken or wages garnished as a result of a lawsuit or legal preceding in the last 12 months
Any property repossessed, sold in a foreclosure, or returned to the seller in the last 12 months
Any rights in property signed over to any creditor in the last 4 months (such as a lien)
Custodian or court appointed person who took custody of any of your property in the last year
Any charitable Contributions over $100.00 in the last year
Any single gift to a family member worth more than $200 (fair market value) in last 12 months
Any losses due to fire, theft, other disasters, or gambling in the 12 months
Any payments made for debt counseling (including your attorney) in the 12 months
Any transfers made in the last 2 years (this includes any items sold, traded, or given away)
9) PLEASE READ - THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT: At the end of filling out all the information you can click "Finish Now". At that time an e-mail will be sent to our office indicating that you are done entering all the data. THEREFORE, DO NOT PRESS COMPLETE unless you are really through. If you press "Finish Now" and then realize that you forgot some information you must call us to make certain that we have not already downloaded your data. Once we have downloaded your data you must not make any changes in the Rapid Import because the changes will NOT be included in the documents on file with our office. Again, just call us for directions on how to handle this situation.
10) GOOD NEWS: Now that you have followed these directions the bulk of the hard work is done. Therefore you are now more than halfway through with this complex process. I know you have done your best to complete this information and we will review everything when you and I meet. Thank you so much for your dedication to helping me help you. I look forward to working with you.
11) Your next assignment - take yourself out and do something you like - movie, dinner with a friend, etc. You earned it.
Call our office if you have questions that are not answered on this page. Please remember that we are here to assist you throughout this process.
Diane L. Drain