For many people, one of the most frightening aspects of bankruptcy is going to court.

What’s going to happen?  Who will be there?  Will I be asked embarrassing questions?

Here are 10 things you need to know about your bankruptcy court date:

1.  Don’t expect to see the Judge.  If you file Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, you will probably never see the Judge.  A “Bankruptcy Trustee” (he’s just a lawyer appointed by the court to administer your case) will ask you four or five simple questions at your hearing.

2.  Your bankruptcy lawyer will be at the hearing with you.  He’s there to guide you through the process and make sure everything runs smoothly.

3.  You will be at court for about an hour.  Most of this time, you will be waiting so bring a magazine or book.  Your part of the hearing will last only a few minutes.

4.  No one is going to be rude or mean to you.

5.  Your creditors probably won’t be at the hearing.  Sometimes, a secured creditor might be at the hearing to see if you want to reaffirm the debt.

6.  You will pass through a metal detector, so “travel light.”  Leave as much stuff in your car as possible.

7.  Bring a picture ID.

8.  Do NOT bring a gun, knife, scissors, nail file, etc…

9. Dress “normal.”  You’re not going to church, but you’re not going to a night club either, so….

10.  Relax.  If you’ve been truthful with your bankruptcy attorney and he’s done everything he should do, your court hearing will be “a piece of cake.”