Bankruptcy can give you a fresh financial start. The first step upon deciding to file for bankruptcy is to find your lawyer. In a past blog post we told you what to look for in a bankruptcy lawyer.
Now that you have found a lawyer, it is important to begin getting ready for your first visit.
A List of Questions
Write down a list of questions that you would like answered during your first visit. You have to feel comfortable with your attorney. No question is too silly to ask.
Remember that your lawyer is working for you. You want someone who is skilled, but you also have to get along with your lawyer. You can get some questions answered while starting to get familiar with the lawyer, and the exchange can help you decide if your choice is right.
Initial Visit
For the initial visit, we generally don’t need documents. We want to focus on the big picture and decide whether bankruptcy is right for you. If we determine to go forward, we will need the documents listed below.
Income and Assets
- Pay stubs for you and your spouse for the last six months
- Bank Statements for the last three months
- Copies of your past two federal tax returns
Debts and Expenses
- Bills from all your creditors
- Notices of unpaid taxes
- Copies of property tax bills or information about unpaid property taxes
- Statements and balances for loans secured by your home or other property
- Information about your car loan or lease, including interest rate, term and balance
- Information about judgments or current lawsuits against you
- If you own a business bring business tax returns and records or information about income and expenses. Bring property and equipment lease information, as well as information on the value of inventory, equipment and accounts receivable
The above items will help you be prepared for your first visit with your bankruptcy lawyer. Now that you are ready, you will feel a weight lifted off of you and the road to financial stability is ahead. There is life after bankruptcy and it starts here. We are confident that our experience will qualify us to represent you in your NJ bankruptcy. Contact Tom Orr at 609-386-8700 today.
