what all do you need to take to attorney on 1st meet for bankrupcty

by Mrs. Christiana Gleichner 3 min read

The most important, mandatory documents to bring to your initial bankruptcy consultation are a list of your outstanding debts and a list of your assets, focusing on major assets, such as houses, cars, boats, trailers, timeshares and the like.

What Should I Bring When Meeting With a Bankruptcy Lawyer?
  1. All financial documents, including bank account statements, receipts for major purchases, wage statements, and tax returns;
  2. A list of your creditors that you owe money, and their contact information, account numbers, and how much money you owe each one;
Dec 1, 2020

Full Answer

What should I bring to my first meeting with a bankruptcy lawyer?

Apr 02, 2018 · The most important, mandatory documents to bring to your initial bankruptcy consultation are a list of your outstanding debts and a list of your assets, focusing on major assets, such as houses, cars, boats, trailers, timeshares and the like.

When should I meet with my bankruptcy attorney?

Your bankruptcy attorney might provide a list of documents that you should plan to bring to your first meeting. If for some reason they do not, this list will get you off to a good start and help speed up the process. Copies of your driver’s license and social security card. Your tax returns from the last two years.

What documents do I need to bring to my bankruptcy appointment?

Feb 20, 2018 · Without a doubt, the most important time you will meet with your bankruptcy attorney is the first time you meet with your bankruptcy attorney. During that first meeting, you, the potential new client, and the attorney should develop a rapport, outline goals and expectations, and review solutions. A thorough, productive first meeting will lay the …

Why do I need a bankruptcy attorney?

Jun 10, 2014 · What to Bring to Your first Bankruptcy Attorney Appointment Before coming to the office we recommend you gather the following documents to bring to your first appointment. These documents will help us to understand your financial situation and to provide the best guidance for debt relief options. Document Needed: Pay stubs for the last 60 days.

image

What must you give a copy of to the trustee before the meeting?

You must provide a copy of your most recent federal tax return to the trustee at least seven days prior to your first scheduled 341 hearing. Further, many jurisdictions require debtors to file with the court any pay stubs received within the two months before bankruptcy.

What happens at first meeting of creditors?

The Chapter 7 meeting of creditors (also called the 341 hearing) is a meeting at which the bankruptcy trustee and your creditors get to ask you questions under oath about your bankruptcy petition and the documents you're required to provide the trustee.

What should you not do before filing bankruptcy?

Here are common mistakes you should avoid before filing for bankruptcy.
  • Lying about Your Assets. ...
  • Not Consulting an Attorney. ...
  • Giving Assets (Or Payments) To Family Members. ...
  • Running Up Credit Card Debt. ...
  • Taking on New Debt. ...
  • Raiding The 401(k) ...
  • Transferring Property to Family or Friends. ...
  • Not Doing Your Research.

How do I prepare myself for bankruptcy?

The first step to prepare for bankruptcy is to gather proof of your income. Copies of your tax returns and copies of proof of income for the past six months are required when you file a Chapter 7 case. To prepare for bankruptcy under Chapter 7, you must complete the Chapter 7 Means Test.Sep 3, 2020

What questions are asked in a 341 meeting?

Your trustee can ask you about your assets, income, expenses, and anything else relevant to your bankruptcy paperwork. Their main job is to make sure everything on your paperwork is correct, including the exemptions you claimed. Creditors can also show up to ask questions at this meeting, but they rarely do.May 4, 2022

What questions can a creditor ask in a 341 meeting?

You Must Tell The Truth At The 341 Meeting Of Creditors.

The Trustee and any creditor or other party in interest is entitled to ask questions regarding your assets and liabilities, as well as any questions that are relevant to the administration of the bankruptcy case, or your right to a discharge.

What happens to your bank account when you file Chapter 7?

In most Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases, nothing happens to the filer's bank account. As long as the money in your account is protected by an exemption, your bankruptcy filing won't affect it.Mar 21, 2022

Can you spend money before bankruptcy?

You are allowed to spend the money you have before filing your case. Although that may sound a bit strange, the bankruptcy law and exemptions exist to protect you. Your goal should be to set yourself up for the best possible fresh start after bankruptcy by using the funds you have wisely.Oct 1, 2021

Is it better to file a Chapter 7 or 13?

Most consumers opt for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which is faster and cheaper than Chapter 13. The vast majority of filers qualify for Chapter 7 after taking the means test, which analyzes income, expenses and family size to determine eligibility.

What debts are not discharged in bankruptcy?

Examples of other non-dischargeable debts in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case include:
  • 401k loans.
  • Other government debt such as fines and penalties.
  • Restitution for criminal acts.
  • Debt arising from fraud or false pretenses.
  • Debts you intentionally did not include in your bankruptcy forms.
  • Damages related to a DUI accident.
Nov 2, 2020

Do you get out of all debts if you declare bankruptcy?

While the goal of both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy is to put your debts behind you so that you can move on with your life, not all debts are eligible for discharge.

How do I file Chapter 7 with no money?

Eligible filers are able to file Chapter 7 for free. If your household income is less than 150% of the federal poverty level, you can ask the bankruptcy judge to waive your court fees with a simple application submitted along with your bankruptcy petition.Feb 8, 2022

What do bankruptcy lawyers need to know?

In order to help you best, your bankruptcy lawyer will need to know about your life and finances. They will want to know what has brought you to consider bankruptcy , such as credit card debt, difficulty paying a mortgage, medical bills, and so on. They might also ask: If you’re married. If you have children. How much money you and your spouse make.

What does it feel like to be a bankruptcy lawyer?

Many clients also find themselves getting emotional during their first meeting with a bankruptcy lawyer. You might feel loss, anxiety, sadness, anger, fear, or even relief. Your lawyer understands that it’s natural to feel emotions as you start your bankruptcy journey, so don’t feel ashamed if they come up during your first meeting.

What to expect at a free bankruptcy consultation?

At your free bankruptcy consultation, you’ll meet your bankruptcy lawyer for the first time and share information about your financial situation and goals. Your attorney will use that information to determine if bankruptcy is right for you, and if so, what type. In order to get the best advice possible, you should prepare for your first meeting ...

Can you file bankruptcy if you make too much money?

The bankruptcy code says if you make too much money, you might have disposable income available at the end of each month to pay something to your general unsecured creditors. That is one reason you may be ineligible for relief under Chapter 7 and may only be able to seek relief under Chapter 13.

Do unsecured creditors matter in Chapter 7?

Speaking of general unsecured creditors, the amounts generally do not matter because, with certain exceptions, they will all be eliminated under Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The amount you may be required to pay back in a Chapter 13 is more often determined by your income rather than the amount of debt you have.

Can you be too honest to discuss bankruptcy?

There’s really no such thing as being too honest or prepared when meeting with a lawyer to discuss a possible bankruptcy. In actuality, the more issues that you come prepared to discuss, the easier the bankruptcy proceedings tend to be as they progress.

Why is it important to have a bankruptcy attorney?

Because filing for bankruptcy is a complex legal claim, finding the right bank ruptcy attorney is important. A bankruptcy attorney will help you decide whether or not to file for bankruptcy, and what type of bankruptcy you should file. Additionally, if you decide to file, an attorney can help ensure that your property is protected, ...

Why do people declare bankruptcy?

Declaring bankruptcy gives individuals or businesses that are unable to pay their debts a better way to solve their financial problems. It can also help them start rebuilding their credit and lives in a more positive and financially stable way.

Why is bankruptcy considered the most document intensive?

This is because whether a bankruptcy is recognized by the courts is based on the value of the debtors assets compared to the amount of debt owed to other creditors.

What to do if you can't find a bankruptcy document?

If you can’t find a document that you think you need for your bankruptcy or if you forgot to bring a document to a meeting with your lawyer, you should tell your attorney as soon as possible, so that they can take note and take the appropriate action to help you.

How long does it take to file for bankruptcy?

In total, most bankruptcies take around 4 to 6 months.

Can you rebuild your credit after bankruptcy?

Although there may be an initial lowering of the credit score the debtor will have an opportunity to slowly rebuild it after the bankruptcy is filed. A bankruptcy is public information- A common issue with filing for bankruptcy is that everything filed with the court is public and can be accessed by anyone.

What does a bankruptcy attorney ask you?

A bankruptcy attorney will ask you why you're considering filing for bankruptcy and determine whether filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy will help you solve your financial problem.

Why do people show up in bankruptcy lawyers?

Most people show up in an attorney’s office because they need help with one of a small number of problems— and the attorney will be aware of this pattern. For instance, when a bankruptcy attorney asks you what prompted you to call, it’s likely that you’ll say that your debts are piling up and that the stress is becoming unbearable. But you could be facing one of the following situations, too, and if you are, the lawyer will want to know about it because it will require quick attention:

Can bankruptcy be completed without documents?

Your bankruptcy petition cannot be completed without certain documents, so it’s a good idea to gather your paperwork together ahead of time and bring it to your appointment—especially if you need your bankruptcy completed quickly. Here’s your list:

Why do people show up in an attorney's office?

Preparing for the Attorney’s Questions. Most people show up in an attorney’s office because they need help with one of a small number of problems— and the attorney will be aware of this pattern. For instance, when a bankruptcy attorney asks you what prompted you to call, it’s likely that you’ll say that your debts are piling up and ...

image