FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant?
A VBA (Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant) is an Independent Contractor who works with Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys providing Chapter 7, 11 & 13 case support and petition preparation.

How much does it cost to start-up a VBA business?
Like any other business venture, the cost of doing business is driven by your own budget. Key costs to operate this business involve hardware (computer systems utilizing current technology), software, training, secure e-services, internet connection, phone, web presence, and marketing, marketing, marketing.

How quickly can I begin to make money?
Like any other business venture, your return-on-investment will not be immediate – regardless of what you hear anyplace else. This is not a get-rich-quick venture and if it was don’t you think everyone would be doing it?? As a small business owner/operator your time, level of commitment, and budget will determine how quickly you make money.

What are the requirements to be a VBA?
You are running (or starting) a Virtual business. NSVBA requires their VBA members who are new to the industry must have a high level of technical experience and know-how. After all, we are talking about ‘virtual services’ which relies exclusively on the internet and SaaS services. In addition, NSVBA will require VBA members who are new to the industry to complete required basic training which is included in NSVBA membership. Each member must set up a Secured Home Office environment, set up a Web presence and continue their education through King Bankruptcy Academy.

Seasoned and experienced VBA’s who are members or are looking to join, are encouraged to provide feedback and support to those who are less experienced. NSVBA members pride themselves in supporting and maintaining a cohesive, professional, and collaborative environment.

What is the NSVBA (National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants)?
NSVBA is a national member organization of Independent Contractors which include Freelance Paralegals, Legal Assistants, Certified Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, Legal Secretaries and other seasoned professionals from various backgrounds.

Can I make a lot of money doing this?
Although, we would all like to make “a lot of money”; one has to keep in mind, this is a legitimate career path. It is also a “business”. It takes time and money.

Again, this is not a get-rich-quick scheme. As a small business owner/operator your time, level of commitment, and budget will determine how quickly you make money. The number of attorney clients and the quality of the services you deliver will determine how much money you can make.

Do I need a legal background?
No. But as with any career, education is important. Contrary to popular belief, you cannot learn this career in one weekend.

What other training is available if I do have a legal background but no experience with bankruptcy?
NSVBA has partnered with King Bankruptcy Academy to offer a discount to NSVBA members. NSVBA members who complete their beginning petition preparation training are encouraged to continue with King Bankruptcy Academy.

Is NSVBA an employment agency? Will NSVBA help me find work?
No. NSVBA is not an employment agency. As an Independent Contractor and business owner/operator, each member is responsible for marketing their own business. NSVBA is the only organization of its kind to be an invited NACBA Annual Convention Exhibitor since 2009. While at the Convention, NSVBA markets its members directly to consumer bankruptcy attorneys.

I just got a call from my first attorney; but, I’m not ready. What do I do?
If you have not completed your training, or do not have your home office set up and an attorney calls, please refer the attorney back to NSVBA. NSVBA offers attorneys a FREE referral source to find a qualified VBA within the membership.

NSVBA members pride themselves in supporting fellow members who need assistance. If you are not ready to take a case, for any reason, you should refer the attorney to another member VBA who is in a position to complete the work. Members have referred attorney clients to other members for many reasons such as availability, preferred bankruptcy software, and back-up support while out on vacation.

I don’t want to refer the attorney back to NSVBA. This is a potential client for me.
NSVBA members pride themselves in supporting fellow members who need assistance. NSVBA membership is not cut-throat or competitive – this kind of behavior is simply not allowed. As a member, you indirectly represent NSVBA through your membership affiliation.

Why can’t NSVBA help me through my first petition so I can keep my first contract?
NSVBA will help every member (new and seasoned) through their first petition. Completing beginning petition preparation and preparing mock petitions will not prepare you for the “real deal”. You will need help. That being said, you must first complete the training and all the requirements.

I don’t have the money to purchase my software (Best Case). Can I ask the attorney to “front” me the money?
No. You are an Independent Contractor. Part of starting a business is having a budget. Unless you’re working with an attorney who uses a different bankruptcy software which licenses attorneys only, can you begin to work immediately.

SUMMARY

The National Society of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants, LLC, is a professional organization for Virtual and On-Site Bankruptcy Assistants located in the United States. Established in 2008 and incorporated in 2009, NSVBA exists to promote, educate, market, and support its membership in the field of consumer bankruptcy petition preparation and to be a valued resource for attorneys seeking the services of a qualified VBA. NSVBA continues to cultivate partnerships with other service-centric organizations and remains the only Virtual Bankruptcy Association or Organization of its kind to be an invited NACBA Exhibitor since 2009.