Debtor Exam??

[Ann Morales]

Hello Everyone,

My depo canceled last minute. And 20 minutes after that, I was offered a debtor exam for tomorrow morning and I accepted it. I've only taken one debtor exam ever like six years ago! I don't remember what it consisted of but I do remember it was really informal. What should I expect? I'm a bit nervous since I haven't taken one in so long and don't entirely know what to expect. I remember financials being discussed, lots of numbers. That's about it. Any input will be appreciated. Thanks!!

[Judy]

Any attorney that lets his client go into a JD exam with more than the parking garage money in his pocket ain't doing his job. Also should be telling the client "no jewelry!"

I love the part where they want to take the matter in front of the judge so the judge can rule that the debtor has to turn over the watch or whatever is left in his pocket after getting the car out of the garage. Rip down my equipment from the hallway and throw it back up in a split second... after you've waited an hour or two for the judge to hear your matter.

[Kyung]

Are you going to be taking it at the courthouse? If you take one at the federal courthouse, it's a lot nicer bec. they have attorney workrooms which are basically like little conference rooms.

If you're at the OC Superior then you're SOL bec. you have to take it in the cafeteria. And usually it's a very busy cafeteria w/announcements going on. There's only two outlets in the cafeteria.

They're just like business lit. They're just trying to find out any and all assets the debtor might have. Be prepared for them to ask about all sorts of business questions. Also be prepared for them to ask lots of questions about family members in case they shifted the assets to someone else. Also they'll probably go into excruciating detail about jobs. But they're not highly technical or anything, just very, very detailed. You'll do fine.

[Ann Morales]

Thanks for the responses!! It's very helpful. Yeah, now I do remember that the last one I took about six years ago was at the L.A. court on Hill St and it was in the cafeteria. Tomorrow's debtor exam will be at the Rancho Cucamonga superior court. So I guess I may be SOL, but hopefully not! I'd like to plug my equipment in if I can. Anyway, thanks very much. Now I at least know what to expect and may do it more often :)

[Heidi Johnson]

In San Diego when I take debtor exams, they're almost always in the hallway....totally awful since there are only a few places with outlets, and then it's not very ideal seating arrangements where the outlets are located (the benches don't face each other). Then all the sound echoes down the hall when people talk or walk.....I've always thought what a ridiculous arrangement that we couldn't find an empty room SOMEWHERE in the courthouse.

Cafeteria sounds at least a smidgen better....good luck!

[Ann Morales]

Actually, I was fortunate enough to get one of those mini conference rooms! There was two of them and one was unoccupied! It was sheer luck. It was only 40 minutes and I was out of there in time for my afternoon job, so it all worked out well. Oh, and then the attorney tells me he doesn't need a transcript after all, unless it's free....huh??? I didn't get that at all. So I get to charge a hold notes plus hourly fee.