Consumer Pre-filing Requirements
BEFORE
YOU CAN FILE A BANKRUPTCY, YOU MUST COMPLETE A CREDIT COUNSELING
SESSION AND RECEIVE A “CERTIFICATE OF CREDIT COUNSELING” FROM AN
APPROVED CREDIT COUNSELING AGENCY!
The
Credit Counseling Agency has to have been approved by the U.S.
Trustee’s office. You can get the list by going to our links page.
When
you come in to speak with the attorney, you will need to provide
specific information so that she can better evaluate under which chapter
of the bankruptcy code you may qualify for.
This includes the following:
Income information for everyone in the household from any and all sources
Household expenses
Assets such as real estate or vehichles
Liabilities such as lawsuits, credit card debt, medical bills or delinquent taxes
CHECKLIST FOR CHAPTER 7 AND 13 BANKRUPTCIES
Federal and state tax returns for the past four (4) years. Please keep
in mind that the Trustee can request your next tax return along with the
turn over of any refund check you are entitled to. In Chapter 13 cases
the Trustee can request turnover of any refund over $500.00 for the
first three years of your bankruptcy.
Pay stubs for the past six (6) months. If deductions are not shown on
your pay stub, we will need a printout showing each one. Also, year to
date pay for any other employment you had this year. Include names and
addresses of each employer.
Bank statements for any bank account you may have for the past six
months. If you have a safe deposit box, please provide the location,
contents and the name of any other person with access to the box.
A copy of your mortgage contract(s) with name and address of the
mortgage company, account number and the legal description of your
property. Also, please provide a copy of your home owner?s insurance
policy if the insurance is not included in you mortgage payment. If you
rent, please bring in a copy of your lease agreement with the name and
address of your landlord.
Make, model, contract and insurance policy for any car you are
purchasing or that you own. Please provide the current number of miles
on each vehicle.
Copies of any lawsuit you have been a party to within the past year. Include any garnishment actions.
Current statements for any 401K, IRA and/or any other retirement plan
you have. Include the account number, balance and name and address of
the account holder.
Declaration page of all life insurance policies that have a cash surrender value.
Recent real estate tax bills if your real estate taxes are not paid thru your mortgage payment.
Documentation relating to any other income you have had in the past two
(2) years such as unemployment, social security, workmen?s compensation,
etc?
Counseling certification relating to any type of debt counseling
contract you have had within the past six (6) months including name,
address, payments.
Any lease or rent to own contract you may have.
Information relating to any financial account you may have closed or cashed in over the past year.
Information relating to any property transfers within the past year.
Last two (2) statements or bills from each creditor to be listed in your
bankruptcy case. A credit report is also required. If you do not have
a statement, please provide the name, address, account number and
current balance for each debt. Include the name(s) and address(es) of
any co-debtors.
Copy of any child support order you have showing your current support obligation.
Please provide a copy of your driver?s license/state id and social security card.
Current statements for any medical savings plan, state tuition program or educational retirement account that you may have.
