what to bring when merting bankruptcy lawyer for the first time

Read on. Bankruptcy Consultation Documents: What to Bring to Your First Meeting with Your Lawyer The most important, mandatory documents to bring to your initial bankruptcy consultation are a list of your outstanding debts and a list of your assets, focusing on major assets, such as houses, cars, boats, trailers, timeshares and the like.

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What should I bring to my first meeting with a bankruptcy lawyer?

Here’s a basic checklist of documents that you should bring during the first meetings with a bankruptcy lawyer: For business bankruptcy, you may need to bring additional documentation, including company balance sheets, budget reports, financial statements, and a list of company property.

What documents do I need to bring to my bankruptcy appointment?

If your bankruptcy is business bankruptcy, you may need to bring additional documentation, including company balance sheets, budget reports, financial statements, and a list of company property; Any other questions you have about providing documentation should be asked about to you attorney;

Do I need a lawyer to file bankruptcy?

The expert advice and guidance of a lawyer are generally needed for filing a bankruptcy claim. Bankruptcy proceedings typically involve an in-depth investigation into all of a person’s finances, assets, and properties, which can get complicated at times. It’s in your best interests to work closely...

What forms do I need to file a chapter 13 bankruptcy?

The United States Courts website has a full list of the Official Bankruptcy Forms that may be needed for filing bankruptcy, which include your Chapter 13 Plan, means test forms for Chapter 7, financial affairs and income statements, applications to waive filing fees, orders on reaffirmation agreements, orders for relief in involuntary cases, not...

What should you not do before filing bankruptcy?

Here are common mistakes you should avoid before filing for bankruptcy.Lying about Your Assets. ... Not Consulting an Attorney. ... Giving Assets (Or Payments) To Family Members. ... Running Up Credit Card Debt. ... Taking on New Debt. ... Raiding The 401(k) ... Transferring Property to Family or Friends. ... Not Doing Your Research.

What should I ask bankruptcy?

5 Questions to Ask Before Declaring BankruptcyChapter 7 or Chapter 13? There are two types of personal bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. ... Can you afford it? ... Will it actually help? ... Can you qualify for bankruptcy? ... Will you be able to live with the effects for years to come?

Should you seek legal advice when filing for bankruptcy?

Individuals can file bankruptcy without an attorney, which is called filing pro se. However, seeking the advice of a qualified attorney is strongly recommended because bankruptcy has long-term financial and legal outcomes.

What should you consider before deciding to declare for personal bankruptcy?

Before making any decisions, it's worth consulting a reputable credit counselor and trying to negotiate with creditors to see if you can work out a payment plan. Credit counseling is also a mandatory step in the bankruptcy process. Speaking with a lawyer before you've made up your mind may also be a good investment.

What kind of questions do they ask in bankruptcy court?

Common Bankruptcy Trustee QuestionsDid you review your bankruptcy petition and schedules before you filed them with the court?Is all of the information contained in your bankruptcy papers true and correct to the best of your knowledge?Did you disclose all of your assets?

What is the means test in bankruptcy?

The bankruptcy means test determines who can file for debt erasure through Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It takes into account your income, expenses and family size to determine whether you have enough disposable income to repay your debts.

What are the do's and don'ts in bankruptcy?

Don't take any cash advances. Do not make any major cash advances off of credit cards prior to filing for bankruptcy. A creditor can object to the discharge of debts incurred as cash advances before filing.

What debts are not discharged in bankruptcy?

Examples of other non-dischargeable debts in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case include:401k loans.Other government debt such as fines and penalties.Restitution for criminal acts.Debt arising from fraud or false pretenses.Debts you intentionally did not include in your bankruptcy forms.Damages related to a DUI accident.

Can you tell a creditor you are filing bankruptcy?

The law doesn't require you to notify your creditors before you file bankruptcy, but you may choose to tell some or all of them. Whether notifying your creditors is a good idea depends on the creditor, type of debt, account status, and what you hope to accomplish.

What happens to debt when you declare bankruptcy?

Once your debt is discharged, your creditors cannot contact you or attempt to collect the debt in any way. A discharge of your debt is also permanent and final for all unsecured debt you include in your bankruptcy filing. The timing of your discharge will vary according to the type of bankruptcy you filed.

How much do you have to be in debt to file Chapter 7?

How much debt do I need to file for bankruptcy? There is no minimum or maximum amount of debt for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

What happens to your credit score if you file bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy will have a devastating impact on your credit health. The exact effects will vary. But according to top scoring model FICO, filing for bankruptcy can send a good credit score of 700 or above plummeting by at least 200 points. If your score is a bit lower—around 680—you can lose between 130 and 150 points.

What do bankruptcy lawyers need to know?

In order to help you best, your bankruptcy lawyer will need to know about your life and finances. They will want to know what has brought you to consider bankruptcy , such as credit card debt, difficulty paying a mortgage, medical bills, and so on. They might also ask: If you’re married. If you have children. How much money you and your spouse make.

What does it feel like to be a bankruptcy lawyer?

Many clients also find themselves getting emotional during their first meeting with a bankruptcy lawyer. You might feel loss, anxiety, sadness, anger, fear, or even relief. Your lawyer understands that it’s natural to feel emotions as you start your bankruptcy journey, so don’t feel ashamed if they come up during your first meeting.

What to expect at a free bankruptcy consultation?

At your free bankruptcy consultation, you’ll meet your bankruptcy lawyer for the first time and share information about your financial situation and goals. Your attorney will use that information to determine if bankruptcy is right for you, and if so, what type. In order to get the best advice possible, you should prepare for your first meeting ...

Bankruptcy Consultation Documents: What to Bring to Your First Meeting with Your Lawyer

The most important, mandatory documents to bring to your initial bankruptcy consultation are a list of your outstanding debts and a list of your assets, focusing on major assets, such as houses, cars, boats, trailers, timeshares and the like.

Contact a Bankruptcy Attorney Today for a Free Consultation

If you are thinking of filing for bankruptcy, you are not alone. Lawyers can help you decided whether or not you even need to file a bankruptcy, but if you do, they’ll let you know which chapter would be most appropriate.

Free Consultation with Bankruptcy Lawyer

If you have a bankruptcy question, or need to file a bankruptcy case, call Ascent Law now at (801) 676-5506. Attorneys in our office have filed over a thousand cases. We can help you now. Come in or call in for your free initial consultation.

What number do you file a debtor form with?

Individual debtors will file forms that begin with the number 100, while non-individuals will file forms beginning with the number 200. Thankfully, though, most of these documents can wait to be produced during the retainer and filing process, and need not be brought to the initial consultation. While debtors certainly are able to file ...

What was the burden of bankruptcy in 2005?

One of the biggest burdens under the “new” bankruptcy law that was forced upon debtors and their attorneys in 2005 was the requirement to produce volumes and volumes of documents. In addition to the formal schedules and statement of affairs, you’ll need to get together a lot of paperwork to file bankruptcy. One nationally known attorney ...

What documents are needed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

There are a number of documents you need before filing for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Although the specific documents may vary depending on your type of case and the district you file, you will at least need to gather the following before filing your petition: 1 Your tax returns 2 Pay stubs 3 Appraisals of your home, jewelry, and other exempt assets 4 Your car titles 5 Evidence of child support/alimony obligations 6 Bank statements 7 Proof that you took credit counseling

What are the first documents you should collect?

Financial Records. Your financial records are some of the first documents you should collect. These records will help determine which type of bankruptcy is best suited for you. For example, if your financial documents show you have a regular income, your best fit may be Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

How does bankruptcy affect your life?

It could also have a major impact on your daily life. Filing for bankruptcy can affect your credit and property.

What does a bankruptcy attorney ask you?

A bankruptcy attorney will ask you why you're considering filing for bankruptcy and determine whether filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy will help you solve your financial problem.

Why do people show up in bankruptcy lawyers?

Most people show up in an attorney’s office because they need help with one of a small number of problems— and the attorney will be aware of this pattern. For instance, when a bankruptcy attorney asks you what prompted you to call, it’s likely that you’ll say that your debts are piling up and that the stress is becoming unbearable. But you could be facing one of the following situations, too, and if you are, the lawyer will want to know about it because it will require quick attention:

Why do people show up in an attorney's office?

Preparing for the Attorney’s Questions. Most people show up in an attorney’s office because they need help with one of a small number of problems— and the attorney will be aware of this pattern. For instance, when a bankruptcy attorney asks you what prompted you to call, it’s likely that you’ll say that your debts are piling up and ...

Can an attorney text you?

Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Do I need a copy of my Social Security card to file bankruptcy?

a copy of your social security card. Most lawyers will ask you to complete a lengthy bankruptcy questionnaire, as well. If you can, get it before your meeting and bring a completed copy with you.