The information on this page is for prospective clients who have been into the office for a consultation and are considering whether to come back to retain us.
- For anything we ask you to bring in, bring in as much as you can find. If something is missing, we will find a way to replace it.
- If you are not sure whether to bring something in to the office, err on the side of bringing it in. You can always take it back home if it is not needed.
- When you come in to start your case, bring in the last two or three regular bills you received from each of your creditors. If you do not have them, we will get credit reports for you.
- In addition to the actual bills, bring in any correspondence you have received from the creditor, such as from the bank’s collection division. Also bring in anything you have received from outside collection agencies (there may be more than one of these) and from lawyers who are trying to collect the debt.
- Bring in the last two tax returns you have filed. This includes both the federal Internal Revenue Service returns and any state returns you have filed.
- If you have a car loan or lease, bring in a regular monthly bill as well as the original car loan papers.
- If you have a house, bring in regular monthly bills for all of the mortgages.
- Bring in all of your paychecks for the last 7 months.
- If you are filing with a spouse, the above applies to both of you. If you are married and filing alone, I still need to see some recent paychecks for your spouse. The bankruptcy will not affect your spouse, but he court needs to know what your spouse is earning.
- After the first time you bring me documents, I will still need any new paychecks and bills or documents received in relation to your debts. Each time you come in, bring any new ones you have received.
- This is usually most of what we need. However, as we get your case ready for filing, we may find that we need other documents and will ask for them.
- If you are thinking about making any large financial transactions before you file, it would be best to discuss them with me first. This includes borrowing any money from retirement plans or from anyone, including your family or friends. Don’t buy anything other than usual family needs. Don’t buy or sell cars. Don’t have anyone give you anything. It may be all right to do some of these things, but you should talk to me about it first.
