The Initial Bankruptcy Consultation

Your initial consultation is a confidential meeting with your attorney that will usually take about an hour to complete and will serve several purposes. These include:

1. An opportunity for you and I to discuss your financial situation and determine if filing a bankruptcy case is your best option.
2. Determine your eligibility for a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and which would be the best choice for you.
3. Information on how a bankruptcy filling will stop creditor harassment, lawsuits, wage garnishments and bank account seizures.
4. A detailed explanation of the bankruptcy filing process.
5. A chance for me to answer all of your questions and concerns, accurately and completely.

Please bring these documents to your initial consultation:

Income:

1. Paystubs for all employment worked in the past 9 months.
2. Information of other income, such as pensions, Social Security benefits, etc.
3. If you are self-employed or operate a business, an income and expense statement for the past 12 months.

Debts and Expenses

1. A list of all the debts, showing the name of the creditor and the current balance. This includes credit cards, medical bills, student loans, mortgages, car or truck loans, personal loans, etc.
2. Copies of the most recent statements for your credit card bills, your mortgages, your vehicles and your student loans.

Other Financial Documents

1. Most recent statements for and IRA, 401(k), and any other retirement accounts.
2. Copies of any lawsuits you may have received.
3. A copy of any divorce decree issued in the past five years.
4. A credit report. You can obtain a free credit report at www.AnnualCreditReport.com
5. Full copies of all state and federal income tax returns filed in the past two years.