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General Information
FAQ
Bankruptcy Credit Counseling Requirement
Before you can file for bankruptcy, federal law requires you to complete a credit counseling course from an approved provider. This course must be completed before your bankruptcy petition is filed.
There are many approved providers offering courses at different price points. We have found the following provider to be reliable, affordable, and easy for our clients to use:
Allen Credit & Debt Counseling
Attorney Code (if requested): BW19885
Completing this course is a required first step in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases.
How to Get a Free Credit Report
You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus. Reviewing your credit report helps ensure all debts are properly listed in your bankruptcy case.
👉 Click here to obtain your free credit report
341 Meeting of Creditors – What to Know
The 341 Meeting of Creditors is a required part of every bankruptcy case. It is conducted by the bankruptcy trustee—not a judge—and typically lasts only a few minutes.
Important Update
At this time, 341 meetings are conducted via Zoom, not in person at the courthouse.
If In-Person Meetings Resume, the Address Is:
United States Bankruptcy Court
701 E. Broad Street, 4th Floor (Room 4300)
Richmond, VA 23219
Location Notes:
- Located at the corner of 7th and Broad Streets in downtown Richmond
- Bring a valid driver’s license or Virginia-issued ID
- Bring your Social Security card
- Cell phones are permitted inside the courthouse but must be turned off and secured in pouches provided by security. Leave larger electronic devices, such as iPads and laptops at home.
Bankruptcy Court Address (Eastern District of Virginia)
United States Bankruptcy Court
Federal Courthouse
701 E. Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Chapter 13 Trustee Payment Information
If you have filed Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must make regular payments to your assigned trustee. Always include your case number on checks or money orders.
Chapter 13 Trustees
Carl M. Bates
-- Effective January 1, 2026, cases currently assigned to Carl M. Bates, Chapter 13 Trustee, will be reassigned to Michael R. Jones as the new Standing Chapter 13 Trustee
P.O. Box 1433
Memphis, TN 38101
Suzanne Wade
P.O. Box 983
Memphis, TN 38101
Pay Chapter 13 Payments Online – TFS Bill Pay
For convenience, many clients choose to make Chapter 13 payments electronically.
TFS Bill Pay
📞 Call 888-729-2413
🌐 Visit www.tfsbillpay.com
Credit Bureau Addresses
After your bankruptcy case is discharged, it is strongly recommended that you send a copy of your Discharge Order to each credit bureau, along with a letter requesting that all debts be marked as “included in bankruptcy.”
Major Credit Reporting Agencies
Equifax
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374
(800) 525-6285
Experian
701 Experian Parkway
P.O. Box 2002
Allen, TX 75013
(888) 397-3742
TransUnion
Consumer Disclosure Center
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
Need Help or Have Questions?
If you have questions about credit counseling, the 341 meeting, trustee payments, or post-bankruptcy credit reporting, our office is here to help.
📞 Contact Bruce W. White, P.C. today at 804-288-4328 for guidance and support at every stage of your bankruptcy case.
What to Bring on Your First Visit with Bruce White
Pay Stubs
Bring a current pay stub or two for you and your spouse, if married, (or any other person helping with your bills). We need to know the family income, Gross and Net income per pay period. This is true whether you are filing bankruptcy together with your spouse or individually.
Home Expenses
Please be prepared to discuss your monthly payments for your normal living expenses, including the following:
Mortgage or Rent, Utilities (electrical, water, cell phone, cable/internet), Food, Car payments, Car insurance, Life insurance, and any other monthly expenses. Do NOT include monthly credit card payments or personal loan payments.
Debts - Organize your creditors in groups
Put your credit cards in a group and add then up for one grand total. Do the same for medical /hospital bills and other types of debt. For example, unpaid rent on a past rental, unpaid utilities, including power, water or cell phones.. If you owe taxes, try to provide the statement given to you by the IRS or the State tax authority. If you do not have a statement from the tax authority, just estimate the year and amount due as best you can.
Property - Houses, Timeshares and Vehicles
Please try to locate and bring your City or County personal property tax bill. The bill will show the value of your vehicles. Bring your monthly vehicle billing statement, or be prepared to tell us the monthly loan payment and the total amount remaining on the loan.
If you have real estate, please bring the monthly mortgage statement and the County Assessment statement, if you can locate it
Tax Return
Bring the last tax return that you filed if you can.
Bring What You Can to the Meeting
Most likely, you will not be able to put all of this information together before the meeting. Just do the best you can and we will work with what you have at that first meeting.
Experienced Bankruptcy Attorney
Taxes
Student Loans
Student Loans
A personal Bankruptcy can eliminate older taxes. Call Bruce White, a trusted bankruptcy attorney in Richmond at 804-288-4328 to learn more.
Student Loans
Student Loans
Student Loans
A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy can now discharge Federal Student Loans in certain cases. Call bankruptcy attorney Bruce White at 804-288-4328 to learn more.
Bankruptcy Myths and Misunderstandings
Common Bankruptcy Myths Explained
Get the Facts From a Richmond Bankruptcy Attorney
Thousands of individuals and families file for bankruptcy every year due to job loss, medical expenses, divorce, rising living costs, and other financial hardships. Unfortunately, many people delay getting help because of misinformation and long-standing myths about bankruptcy.
At the law office of Bruce W. White, P.C., our Richmond bankruptcy attorney helps clients separate fact from fiction so they can make informed decisions about their financial future.
Bankruptcy Myths — The Truth Behind the Misconceptions
❌ Myth: If You Have a Good Job, You Can’t File Bankruptcy
Not True.
Many people who file bankruptcy are fully employed. While income is considered, having a steady job does not automatically disqualify you from filing. In fact, regular income may make you eligible for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which allows you to reorganize debt while keeping important assets.
❌ Myth: Married Couples Must File Bankruptcy Together
Not True.
Married couples may file jointly, but it is not required. In some situations, it makes more sense for only one spouse to file bankruptcy. The right approach depends on income, assets, debts, and long-term goals. An experienced Richmond bankruptcy attorney can help determine the best option for your family.
❌ Myth: Only Financially Irresponsible People File Bankruptcy
Not True.
This is one of the most harmful myths about bankruptcy. The reality is that most bankruptcies are caused by events outside a person’s control, including:
- Serious illness or medical bill
- Divorce or separation
- Death of a spouse or wage earner
- Job loss or reduced income
Bankruptcy is a legal financial tool, not a personal failure.
❌ Myth: All Debts Can Be Discharged in Bankruptcy
Not True.
While bankruptcy can eliminate many unsecured debts—such as credit cards and medical bills—some debts are generally not dischargeable, including:
- Most student loans
- Recent federal and state taxes
- Child support and alimony
Each case is unique. Speaking with a Richmond bankruptcy attorney is the best way to understand which debts may or may not be discharged in your situation.
❌ Myth: Bankruptcy Will Ruin Your Credit Forever
Not True.
Bankruptcy does impact your credit score, but the effect is not permanent. Many clients begin rebuilding credit soon after filing. In fact, because bankruptcy eliminates overwhelming debt, many people are able to:
- Qualify for auto loans
- Rebuild credit within a few years
- Purchase a home after bankruptcy
For many, bankruptcy is the first step toward long-term financial recovery.
Speak With a Skilled Richmond Bankruptcy Lawyer
At Bruce W. White, P.C., we are proud to have helped thousands of local families regain control of their finances with dignity and respect. Our Richmond office provides clear answers, practical solutions, and personalized attention at every stage of the bankruptcy process.
📞 Call (804) 288-4328 today to schedule a free phone consultation and learn how bankruptcy may help you move forward with confidence.
Call Us at (804) 288-4328
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Bankruptcy clients must use a Debit card - Credit Cards are NOT ACCEPTED unless from a third party (friends or family)
All other clients may use Debit or Credit.
Bruce W White, P.C.
8550 Mayland Dr #206 Richmond, VA 23294
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