Bankruptcy Checklist

WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR MEETING WITH OUR ATTORNEY

During your free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys at Berger, Fischoff, Shumer, Wexler & Goodman, LLP, we will help you to determine whether you are a good candidate for bankruptcy, and which chapter of bankruptcy is best suited for your situation. We will review your debts and your assets, explain the bankruptcy process and answer any questions you may have. For one of our attorneys to properly analyze your situation, please bring the following information with you to your first consultation:

YOUR CREDITORS & PERSONAL INFORMATION

• A recent credit report (if you do not have a credit report we will show you how to obtain one for free).
• Copies of all your bills and loans.
• Letters from creditors/collectors received in the last three months.

INCOME

• Copies of pay stubs for the past six months for you and your spouse (whether filing jointly or not).
• The last two years’ of filed tax returns.
• If self-employed, an Income and Expense Statement for that period is required.
• Any documentation regarding other types of income received over the last six months, including social security, retirement, rent or child support/spousal support.

VEHICLES

• Evidence of pay-off balances on all motor vehicles, i.e., your last lease or loan statement.
• Copies of registrations on all motor vehicles.

REAL PROPERTY

• Evidence of current value of any parcels of real estate on which you hold an interest. It is recommended that you contact a real estate broker’s office to obtain a written opinion of value. There is usually no charge for this service.
• The most recent mortgage statement and/or home equity loan statement.
• Copy of your deed, the assessor’s notice or property tax statement.
• Any documentation regarding additional properties you may own – timeshares, rentals, etc. and fee/maintenance for same.
• If your property is in foreclosure, any court papers you received related to that action.

BANK ACCOUNTS, STOCKS, IRA’s, ETC.

• Copies of all bank, credit union, or other depository statements for the two (2) months prior to meeting with our attorney.
• Copies of the most recent statement for all retirement accounts, stocks, 401(k) plans (or similar accounts) and any loans taken against the accounts.
• If not made in payroll, evidence of any retirement plan contributions made, or retirement loans repaid, for the last two months.

LEGAL

• Any court orders or divorce judgments setting child support or spousal support amounts that you should be paying or receiving, including the order setting regular ongoing monthly amounts and also setting any monthly amounts for paying on past-due support.

Remember to provide all information for your spouse as well (regardless of whether or not he/she is jointly filing with you). If there are documents that require time to obtain, please bring in whatever you may currently have. Additional documentation can always be provided after your initial consultation.