Before you file for bankruptcy, there are a few things you should know. Because each case is different, there might be other points for you to think about than these. The dos and don’ts of bankruptcy start before you even file your case.

If you have been making payments to creditors, find out if you should continue making those payments. Don’t make any large or unusual payments if you are planning to file bankruptcy. Payments that aren’t in the norm of what you’ve been doing might be considered preferential transfers, which can cause problems for the creditor later.

Even though you are filing for bankruptcy, you shouldn’t make frivolous purchases now. There is a chance that debts that occur too close to the filing might not be dischargeable if the court determines that you did them fraudulently. You also shouldn’t try to transfer money or assets to friends and family members since this can also cause problems with the filing.

Make sure that you are always providing factual information on the bankruptcy petition and to creditors. If you know that you will file, share that information with the creditors so that they know this plan. It might stop them from taking legal action against you, which could save you some time and effort.

Since you can usually keep retirement assets, don’t try to drain those accounts. This money should be left alone so that you have it when you are ready to retire. Plus, there is a chance that you will have to hand it over to the court if you pull it out. Also, make sure that you aren’t due a large sum of money, such as an income tax refund, when you are ready to file for bankruptcy. Large payments to you might be intercepted by the court once you file.