Preparing to Meet with a Bankruptcy Lawyer

Decisions about whether you should file bankruptcy, and what type of bankruptcy might be appropriate, turn on what you own and what you owe. To get the most from an initial meeting, bring:

• Information on income and assets
• A month's worth of pay stubs for you and your spouse
• A copy of the deed to your home, showing exactly how you hold title
• Information on the make, model, mileage and accessories on each vehicle
• A list if the value of stocks, deposit accounts, brokerage accounts
• Information on your gross income for the past two calendar years
• A recent bill from each creditor or a list of creditors and the amount you owe
• Tax notices for each year for which you have unpaid taxes
• Car loan information: interest rate, payoff, or a copy of your car lease
• Balances on each loan secured by your home or other assets
• Information regarding any lawsuits or judgments filed against you
• A total of any unpaid property tax
• If you operate a business, bring the business's most recent tax return and the most recent income and expense information, plus any premises or equipment leases. Estimate the value of inventory, equipment and tools, and accounts receivable.

Examine your financial life for ongoing financial relationships and out-of-the-ordinary events:

• Have you co-signed loans?
• Do you have a lawsuit that hasn't yet been filed or is pending?
• Do you appear on your parents or siblings property title?
• Have you put your property in trust?
• Are you entitled to an inheritance from someone who has recently died?
• Are you likely to inherit money in the next year?
• Are you getting a tax refund?

Events and relationships of these sorts influence the selection of a chapter and the timing of a bankruptcy filing. Gather up the details so a lawyer can assess your options.

Bankruptcy Lawyer Cathy Moran contributed to the the information in these guidelines

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