Dolton Bankruptcy Attorney On What You Need To Bring To Your Initial Meeting With Your Attorney

What Documents Will My Bankruptcy Attorney Need to Review?

Before you meet with a bankruptcy attorney, there is some important information that you need to have handy.  This information will likely be part of the questionnaire or in-take form that you will be asked to fill out.  When giving information, always error on the side of giving too much information as opposed to too little information.

Real Estate Information, Leases

The attorney will want to know information about your living situation.  For example, he will need information as to your landlord, or tenants if you rent out a property.  A landlord does not have to be notified by the court, however, he does have to be listed on the schedules.  Additionally, the attorney will need to know the details of any lease arrangement (for example, the monthly rent, the property address, the term of the lease and when it expires.

Creditor Information

When it comes to listing creditors, you will need the complete mailing address for each and every creditor.  This includes title loans, payday loans, doctors, credit cards, utility bills, etc. If you have the account number, make sure and provide that information as well.

Current Monthly Income

Your income and job position is important.  The trustee does ask for the address of your work, how long you have been working there and other details.  You must provide a current pay advice so that your total monthly income can be calculated. As long as you have the pay stub, the attorney can do the rest of the math.

Information About Your Spouse

If you are married, you will have to provide income and expense information on your spouse, even if your spouse is not filing for bankruptcy relief.  It is good to be as detailed as possible.  I can not stress that enough.  Let the attorney make the decision as to what needs to be listed in the schedules that are filed with the court.

Full Disclosure of Debts and Assets, Even Family Members

Lastly, don’t be ashamed to list everyone that you owe money to; even if the person is a close, family member.  The bankruptcy code requires that all creditors be listed.  The debtor does not get the option to list some and not list others.  A debtor can always agree to voluntarily pay a creditor whose debt has been discharged.  However, it is not always recommended.  The goal of Chapter 7 bankruptcy is to get a fresh start.  If a debtor decides to repay several creditors, this takes away the benefit of a fresh start.

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