Helpful Items to Have for Your Initial Bankruptcy Consultation

While each bankruptcy case is unique, there are certain items that any attorney will need to initially assess your specific financial circumstances and to provide potential solutions. To prepare for your free, initial consultation, we recommend that you provide certain documentation for your attorney to review. This useful documentation covers three areas – your income, assets, and debts. By reviewing this information, your attorney will be better able to offer accurate and applicable advice.

Income

• Paycheck stubs/statements for the past 30 days. If you are married, be sure to also include your spouse’s paystubs (even if only one of you will be filing).
• Any other income documentation such as unemployment benefits, social security, spousal/child support, pension or retirement income.
• If you own a business or have rental property, it’s helpful to bring your most recent Federal Tax returns or other documentation which reflects your income.

Assets

• A list (or statements) of your assets, such as bank accounts, retirement accounts, whole life insurance, motor vehicles, and real estate, etc.
• If you own real estate, bring documentation to identify the property and estimate the value.
• Click below to see a list of Assets that are Not Obvious and Need to be Listed in Bankruptcy: List of Assets that are Commonly Forgotten by Clients Preparing to File Bankruptcy

Debts

• A simple yet comprehensive list of all your debts. (Include all bills, invoices, credit card balances, personal loans, lines of credit, mortgages, and any debt that you may be personally liable, including business debts where you have signed a personal guaranty.)
• Bring copies of foreclosure notices, lawsuits, complaints, attorney notices, etc., for all debts.
• If divorced, a copy of the divorce decree, any order regarding property settlements within the past three (3) years, and alimony or child support orders in effect or amendments thereto.

Lastly, bring your questions.

There may be additional documents your lawyer asks you to bring, but if you start with these top documents, you will be properly prepared for your first meeting. The more prepared you are, the more valuable you will find the consultation.​

The experienced bankruptcy attorneys at DiMarco Warshaw, A Professional Law Corporationstart with a free evaluation by phone.  We’ll go over your situation and provide our assessment on your best options and how we can help you. 

Schedule your free evaluation with an attorney here: https://calendly.com/dimarcowarshaw/20min or call us directly at 888-890-5474.