what to bring with you to a bankruptcy lawyer

Listed below is a more expansive list of documents that you should bring during the first meetings with a bankruptcy lawyer:

• All financial documents, including bank account statements, receipts for major purchases, wage statements, and tax...
• A list of your creditors that you owe money, and their contact information, account numbers, and how much money you owe...

Full Answer

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 happens if I Forget to bring a document to bankruptcy?

If you can’t find a document that you think you need for your bankruptcy or if you forgot to bring a document to a meeting with your lawyer, you should tell your attorney as soon as possible, so that they can take note and take the appropriate action to help you. Furthermore, if something like this happens make sure you don’t panic.

How do I prepare myself for bankruptcy?

The first step to prepare for bankruptcy is to gather proof of your income. Copies of your tax returns and copies of proof of income for the past six months are required when you file a Chapter 7 case. To prepare for bankruptcy under Chapter 7, you must complete the Chapter 7 Means Test.

What do you need when you file bankruptcies?

Income Documentation You'll also need proof of other income sources such as Social Security funds, disability, or rental properties. If you're self-employed and filing for bankruptcy, you'll probably need to provide a year-to-date profit and loss statement, as well as for the two full years before filing.

What expenses Cannot be discharged in bankruptcy?

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy eliminates credit card debt, medical bills and unsecured loans; however, there are some debts that cannot be discharged. Those debts include child support, spousal support obligations, student loans, judgments for damages resulting from drunk driving accidents, and most unpaid taxes.

What can you spend money on before bankruptcy?

For example, if you have too much cash in your bank account, you can typically spend it on food, rent, gas, car maintenance, or other necessities before filing for bankruptcy. You'll want to keep good records of your purchases in case the trustee questions you about how you spent the cash.

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

Again, there's no minimum or maximum amount of unsecured debt required to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In fact, your amount of debt doesn't affect your eligibility at all. You can file as long as you pass the means test. One thing that does matter is when you incurred your unsecured debt.

Can I spend money after filing Chapter 7?

Frivolous spending after you file could put your case in jeopardy. Spending money willy-nilly after you file for bankruptcy could appear like fraud and upend your court ruling.

Does bankruptcy clear all debts?

What debts aren't affected? Declaring bankruptcy won't wipe out all debts and some types of debt will survive the bankruptcy. In other words, if you declare yourself bankrupt, you will still be required to pay: court-ordered penalties and fines.

What are 5 types of debt that are not dischargeable in bankruptcy?

Nondischargeable debt is a type of debt that cannot be eliminated through a bankruptcy proceeding. Such debts include, but are not limited to, student loans; most federal, state, and local taxes; money borrowed on a credit card to pay those taxes; and child support and alimony.

What debt is forgiven under Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

What Debts Are Discharged in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy? A Chapter 7 bankruptcy will generally discharge your unsecured debts, such as credit card debt, medical bills and unsecured personal loans. The court will discharge these debts at the end of the process, generally about four to six months after you start.

Should I close my bank account before filing bankruptcy?

You'll want to open checking and savings accounts at a bank that doesn't service any of your debt and use the new account for banking purposes before filing bankruptcy. Again, you don't need to close other accounts—leave them open and report all accounts when filling out your bankruptcy paperwork.

When you file bankruptcy do they check your bank account?

Your Bank Account Balance The bankruptcy trustee assigned to your case will want to review your bank account statements before your 341 meeting to verify the information you put on your bankruptcy forms matches your bank statements. The trustee will use these statements to get a glimpse into your financial history.

Does bankruptcy take your cash?

Keeping the cash you've deposited in a bank account isn't easy to do in bankruptcy. Any cash or money you have in the bank on the day you file for bankruptcy becomes property of the bankruptcy estate, and keeping it will depend primarily on your state's exemption laws.

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

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 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.

What do I need to bring to a bankruptcy consultation?

Preparing for a bankruptcy consultation, no matter if you’re within the Southern District of California Department of Justice, or within another place of jurisdiction, mostly boils down to preparing the same important documentation to bring to your initial consultation:

What else can I do to prepare for a bankruptcy consultation?

Now, besides preparing all of the documentation that is extremely important for your case and which allows your bankruptcy attorney to have the perfect insight into your financial troubles, there are two other things you can do in order to prepare for a consultation with your bankruptcy attorney:

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 ...

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.

Financial Records

Legal Records

Additional Documents

Documents Needed to File Chapter 7

• 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 asset...

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