Preparing For Your Bankruptcy Consultation
If you are an individual looking to talk with one of our attorneys about debt counseling or bankruptcy advice, it is not necessary to bring a multitude of documents with you to your free consultation. All that we require is that you have a general understanding of your assets (the things you own) and your debts (the money you owe). Being able to tell us how much you owe on your house or car payment, as well as what the monthly payment is and if you are current, is also helpful. In addition, if you have received any of the following, it would be helpful to bring these documents with you to the initial consultation:
- Foreclosure notice
- Tax notices received from the IRS or NCDOR (including garnishment, levy, and assessment notices)
- Court documents outlining an action being brought or enforced against you/your company
If you are coming to discuss a business debt or bankruptcy centered issue, it is extremely helpful to bring a budget (including anticipated income and expenditures for the next several months) and/or proforma (a statement of the business’ financial activities) with you, in addition to having a general understanding of the business’ assets and liabilities. As always, if the business has received any foreclosure, lawsuit, or tax notices, please bring those as well.
Deciding to File Bankruptcy in NC
If the decision is made to file bankruptcy, either for the business or for an individual, we will request that you bring additional information and documentation to our office. However, as each individual is unique, everyone’s legal issues are unique and each case requires a different set of information and documentation to better suit your individual needs. Some common documentation that will be needed to file your bankruptcy case include:
- Identification. A photo ID (such as your driver’s license or passport) and your Social Security card.
- Proof of Income, such as pay stubs or other records of income from all sources for the past seven (7) months for both you and your spouse, even if your spouse is not filing bankruptcy. For a business, please bring a monthly Profit and Loss Statement.
- Bank Records. Two (2) monthly statements for each account from your financial institution(s).
- Income tax returns for the past two (2) years.
- Household Expenditures such as utilities (gas, electric, water, sewage, and/or fuel); mortgage or rent; groceries; telephone and/or cell phone bills; cable or satellite service; internet service (if separate); monthly maintenance for which you are under contract (pest service, maid service, HVAC maintenance); medical and dental payments; club dues; pet care expenses; loan payments; insurance payments; child support and/or child care and school expenses; spousal support; and any other expenditures you incur on a monthly basis. If you need help with this, we have a “budget” form that you can fill out to better assist you.
- Account Statements for each and every debt that you owe, such as credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, auto loans, etc.
- Personal Assets. Please bring the most recent statements for such assets as retirement accounts, mutual funds, stocks and life insurance policies.
If you have additional questions about preparing for your bankruptcy consultation, please don’t hesitate to call our team at the office locations listed below.
