Bankruptcy Do’s

When attending your first onsite consultation, DO bring the following items with you:

• All credit reports
• Statement(s) of current creditors
• Proof of income (paycheck stub)
• Bank statements
• Federal & state tax returns (up to 3 years back)
• Any correspondence with tax authorities
• Copies of mortgage documents as recorded
• Mortgage closing documents
• Proof of homeowners/automobile insurance
• Vehicle title(s) for all owned vehicles
• Photo identification (ideally, a state driver’s license)
• Pension information (IRAs and qualified plans)
• Life insurance documents
• Copies of judgments, lawsuits, garnishments, or levies
• Property liens/mechanics liens
• Copies of most recent statements from all creditors

The more of these documents you have, the better, but don’t let any missing documents deter you from calling us.

Bankruptcy Don’ts

Before and during your bankruptcy filing, there are certain things you should not do. These include:

• Staying current on your bills, when possible
• Don’t make any luxury purchases on credit up to 90 days before filing
• Don’t borrow any money from lenders up to 90 days before filing
• Don’t follow advice from anyone other than an attorney (see: Bankruptcy Myths)
• Don’t listen to those who tell you bankruptcy is not an option

When making the choice to regain financial control, bankruptcy might be your best option. Only an experienced bankruptcy attorney in Royal Oak and Southeastern Michigan can help you determine the best course of action for your unique situation. Gudeman & Associates, P.C. has more than 100 years of combined legal experience and our team knows the bankruptcy process inside and out. We strive for the best possible outcome for our clients, every single time.