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Don’t Go to Your Bankruptcy Lawyer Without This!

GeorgetteMillerLaw.com > Bankruptcy  > Don’t Go to Your Bankruptcy Lawyer Without This!

Don’t Go to Your Bankruptcy Lawyer Without This!

Don’t Go to Your Bankruptcy Lawyer Without This!

Bankruptcy is a complex process that can take several months to complete. The process allows you to eliminate debt and get a fresh start with your finances. When you visit your bankruptcy attorney, you will need to provide specific information and provide certain documents in order for the process to go smoothly.

This guide can help you gather all the necessary documents in preparation for a visit with your bankruptcy attorney.

Proof of Income

The first thing that the attorney is going to want to review is the income you have available to pay debts. If you are employed, you will need to bring pay stubs for the past six months or a copy of your W-2.

If you are self-employed, you will need to bring the profit and loss statement for your business. If you receive disability, social security or own rental properties, you will need to bring documentation of the income you receive from those sources as well.

Because bankruptcy is an official federal court proceeding, do not try to hide income. If the trustee discovers you have income you did not report, your entire case could be dismissed.

Debt Statements

The attorney is going to want to see all of your debt. This includes credit card statements, medical bills, mortgage statements, car loans and personal loan documents. You should also include any taxes you owe or lawsuits you may be facing.

Even if you plan to pay the bills outside of your bankruptcy, the attorney will want to see them.

There is property that is exempt, such as your vehicle and your home, so if you are able to keep those payments current, you may be able to avoid including them in bankruptcy, but the attorney will need the information as part of the filing process.

Previous Tax Returns

Bankruptcy courts normally require that you provide your tax returns or tax transcripts for the last two years.

If you did not file your taxes, you will be required to do so before you are able to file for bankruptcy.

There have been cases where the courts have asked for more than two years’ worth of tax returns.

Value of Real Estate and Vehicles

If you own any real estate or vehicles, you will need to provide the court with a valuation of those items.

Even if you owe money on the property, you will need to show what the property is worth as an asset when your bankruptcy is filed.

Legally Required Payments

If you have been court ordered to pay child support or alimony, you will need to provide documentation of those payments to the bankruptcy court.

If you receive child support or alimony, you will need to include that as income as well.

Retirement and Bank Accounts

Bank accounts, even retirement funds, are considered assets and must be included in the documentation when you file bankruptcy. Even if there is not much money in your accounts, the court will need to see the statements so bring those to your attorney as well.

If you are considering bankruptcy, you need to speak to a bankruptcy attorney. Contact the Law Offices of Georgette Miller and Associates to learn how they can help guide you through the complicated process. You can reach us online through our simple request form or call us at 1-866-GMLAW.