Bankruptcy Do’s And Don’ts: What To Expect When Filing For Bankruptcy
Clients often ask us what they should bring to their first appointment with one of our bankruptcy attorneys in Royal Oak and southeastern Michigan. Here at Gudeman & Associates, P.C., we are committed to helping you understand your bankruptcy options as we aggressively advocate for your rights. In order to determine which option – whether Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Chapter 13, or even an alternative to bankruptcy altogether – we do need certain information from you. The more information you can provide us with at your initial consultation, the better.
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 and state tax returns (up to three 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:
- 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
You should, however, stay current on your bills, when possible.
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. The attorneys at Gudeman & Associates, P.C., have 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.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.