What Should You Bring To An Initial Bankruptcy Appointment?

Posted on: 13 September 2021

One of the first steps of filing for bankruptcy is meeting with an attorney at a law office that offers bankruptcy services. You can contact a law firm to schedule a consultation visit, which is an appointment that offers a chance to learn more about bankruptcy. When you go to this appointment, you should bring the right things with you. Here is a list of the things the lawyer might ask you to bring.

Your Paystubs and Other Sources of Income

One of the first things the lawyer might ask for is proof of income. To file for Chapter 13, you must prove you have steady income that meets the requirements for using this branch. If you want to use Chapter 7, the lawyer adds up your income for the past six months to see if you meet the eligibility criteria. In either case, the lawyer needs to see proof of all your income from the past six months, as this affects your ability to file for bankruptcy.

Your Tax Returns for the Last Two Years

The lawyer might also ask to see your tax returns for the last two years. In fact, if you decide to file for bankruptcy, you will need to provide these things to the court. If you have not filed your last two tax returns, you will not be able to use bankruptcy until you file.

Debt Statements

The next thing you must bring is your debt statements. The reason people file for bankruptcy is for debt relief. As a result, the lawyer must see what types of debts you owe and how much you owe. The best way to prove your debts is by bringing statements that show who your creditors are and what amounts you owe. The lawyer will also pull up your credit file to see if it contains additional debts.

Documents Showing Your Assets

The final thing to bring is a list of your assets. When filing for bankruptcy, you must list every asset you own. Additionally, you must list the value of each one. If you have statements that show your assets, make sure you give them to your attorney.

Additionally, you should bring your driver's license and Social Security card. The lawyer might ask you for other documents, too. If you properly prepare for this meeting by gathering the right documents, you can learn more while you are there. Contact a bankruptcy law firm to learn more about your options.

Share