If you are ready to file for bankruptcy, meeting with a bankruptcy lawyer is a good idea. This can be a complex process, but an experienced New City, New York bankruptcy attorney is ready to help guide you through it. If you want to make the most out of this first meeting, it’s a good idea to be properly prepared. Here are some of our recommendations.
What Documents Does a Bankruptcy Lawyer Need?
Usually, we will be able to tell you exactly what you need to bring to this initial consultation. Some examples of documents that you will probably have to bring include:
- Your tax returns from the last two years
- Bank statements from the last seven months
- Pay stubs from the last seven months
- A copy of your current driver’s license
- A copy of your social security card
- Copies of your mortgage statement and car loan statement
- Any statements from retirement or investment accounts
- A copy of your life insurance policy, if you have one
- Any paperwork relating to the foreclosure of your home, if it is in foreclosure
- A copy of your marital settlement agreement if you are divorced
This seems like a lot of stuff to carry around, but it is all necessary. This gives your attorney a complete picture of your finances and makes it easier to figure out what the best course of action will be.
What Questions Should I Be Ready to Answer?
The bankruptcy lawyer is also going to ask you some questions. You should be prepared to address matters like:
- How many children you have
- Your marital status
- Whether or not you own a business
- How much money you and your spouse make
- What kinds of assets you have and their worth
- Whether you have judgments against you from creditors
- Whether you owe back taxes, child support, or alimony
Will There Be a Fee For Meeting With a Bankruptcy Lawyer?
Our law firm can offer you a free consultation over the phone. If you plan to meet with us after that, there will be fees. How much this process will cost can depend on the type of bankruptcy you file for and a wide variety of other factors, but we can do our best to tell you more about any fees and answer your questions about costs right away.
Do I Have to Know About the Different Types of Bankruptcy?
No, we can answer any questions about Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy for you. We can also help you figure out which method might be a better fit for you and your family. Of course, if you have already done some research and you have some questions about either type of bankruptcy, we can help you. Ask away and let our lawyers tell you more about your options and how these processes work.
Schedule That First Consultation Today
So if you are ready to begin rebuilding your financial life, schedule that first appointment with our bankruptcy lawyers. The experienced attorneys here at the Lauterbach Law Firm are ready to assist you.
