Bankruptcy Checklist

Before filing for bankruptcy, you need to gather several documents for your attorney. This bankruptcy checklist provides an overview of the type of required information.  Note that you do not need to bring the following documents to the free initial consultation.

Proof of Income

We need proof of your income record for the last 6 months from all sources, such as pay stubs, unemployment compensation, disability benefits, social security benefits, etc.

Monthly Expenses

Please provide estimates of all regular monthly expenses. Categories to include: rent, food, entertainment, laundry, clothing, insurance (all types), DMV expenses, installment payments (for loans and leases), utilities (water, gas, electric, telephone, etc.), medical expenses, gasoline, charity, home maintenance, auto maintenance, and all other expenses.

Bank statements

Bank statements for the last 6 months from all accounts that your name is on. This also includes online financial accounts, such as PayPal , Venmo , Cash App , etc.

Tax rethttps://cash.app/urns

If you are required to file tax returns, you will need to provide copies of your state and federal tax returns for the past 2 years, including W-2s, 1099s, etc.

Bills, creditor statements, collection letters, legal notices

We need a copy of your most recent statements from all creditors. If it is a secured debt (home, car, appliances, etc.) a copy of the security agreement, promissory note, mortgage, etc.) which you signed at the time of opening the account. Also provide any collection letters and legal notices that you have received. You should also provide a copy of your most recent credit report so we can confirm that we included all of your creditors.

Property documents

Bring documentation regarding your property, such as vehicle titles, life insurance policies, stocks, retirement accounts information, etc. If you own real estate, a copy of the Deed or Contract to the real estate, the mortgage papers you signed at the time of buying the real estate.

Real estate property can be exempted from turning over as an asset to the trustee in bankruptcy for a certain amount.

Credit Counseling

Have you completed credit counseling yet?  If not, please do so as soon as is convenient, before filing the petition.  One good credit counseling website to use is www.ccadvising.com ; it’s not very expensive, and its session does not take very long to complete.

The website requires about an hour of your time.  Remember no one reviews your answers – not a bankruptcy judge or creditor—not even your attorney.

Thinking of filing for bankruptcy?

Start today for your debts to be eliminated in four to six months to make you debt free.