If you are planning to file for bankruptcy, it is a good idea to get prepared prior to the file. An attorney can help make sure that you are prepared prior to filing, and can help you get organized. There are many documents that will be necessary to track down, and here are just a few of the important items you will need to find.
Proof of Income for the Last Six Months: If you are employed, or have been employed, payroll stubs will serve as proof of income. If you are unemployed, put together any documents regarding unemployment compensation, worker’s compensation, child support or alimony from a spouse, social security checks, trust account checks or documents.
Tax Return Forms: It is good to track down and provide tax returns for the last four years prior to filing for bankruptcy protection. This not only will provide information about your assets, but also will help give a general picture of your overall financial situation.
Bills/Creditor Documents: This is an important one. You will need documentation regarding what you owe to each creditor. These will include anything from monthly billing statements to copies of court documents if you have been sued or owe an outstanding judgment from a lawsuit. If you think you owe someone, like your mother or a friend, but do not have documentation of the debt, you can write down who you owe and what you owe them. For credit card debt, it might be useful to bring a statement to show your attorney because when you last charged that card may be relevant to your case.
Bank Account Statements: You will need to provide about six months worth of statements from your bank or financial institution. This will show how much money you have currently, as well as how you have spent money in the past. You also need to provide documentation for any investments you own or have sold in recent months.
Credit Counseling Certificate: Before you file for bankruptcy, you are required to have taken part and completed a credit counseling course. An attorney can help you find a course, and you must hang on to the certificate of completion as the court will want to view this document.
Identification: You need to show proof of your legal name and current address. Usually a driver’s license will be fine, as long as it shows both of the aforementioned items.
Ownership Documents: This includes any titles for your home, a car or items such as a boat or RV.
This above-mentioned collection of documents represents the bulk of what you will need to present. The way these documents are viewed depends largely on the way you are represented in court, which is why it is so important to have an attorney experienced in bankruptcy laws in your state and county. An attorney can ensure that you end up in the best possible financial situation after the bankruptcy process is over.
Emely Peight loves blogging about bankruptcy issues. For more info or to find a Phoenix bankruptcy lawyer, or if you require a Tucson bankruptcy lawyer, please visit these bankruptcy websites today.