My Financial Tips

You’ve made the decision to declare bankruptcy. You’ve educated yourself on the two types - Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 – and, with the help of Duluth bankruptcy lawyers, made the decision which method to use. What information will your attorney need to complete your bankruptcy petition to present to the bankruptcy court?
Here’s a short checklist of information he or she will need:
• W-2s, check stubs, or other proof of wages, such as 1099s for the last three years.
• Tax returns for the last three years.
• Bank statements for the past year.
• Most recent bills from every creditor. EVERY CREDITOR. Leave no one out, no matter the reason!
• All correspondence from creditors, including threatening letters.
• All of YOUR correspondence with creditors.
• Most recent payment stubs for vehicle loans, student loans, etc.
• Most recent credit card bills with the most up to date balances possible.
• Any other bills from the last year.
• Copies of your divorce decree, child support documents or any other court orders that demand payment from you.
• Copies of any previous bankruptcy filings.
• Files from any previous attorneys other than lawyers in Duluth who practice bankruptcy.
• All insurance policies. This includes life, health, auto, etc.
• Your mortgage documents and any documentation for second mortgages or line of credit or equity loans.
• All other promissory notes you have signed.
• Copies of your lease or rental agreement.
• Documentation relating to any investments or stock portfolios.
• All vehicle titles, including boats, RVs, etc.
• Cancelled checks for any other debt you cannot categorize.
• Any documentation relating to anyone owing you money. This includes things such as royalties, rent monies payable, residuals for intellectual properties, etc.
• Documentation relating to any lawsuits that have been served on you.
• Evidence of any agreements with the IRS for taxes in arrears.
• If you are in arrears on student loans, include any information that might affect your ability to discharge these debts such as a recent disability or lay off.
• Any documentation relating to how you got in this predicament in the first place such as layoff notices, proof of disability, death certificate for a spouse, child or other family member that involved you financially.
• A record of your major assets and their present value.
By having all this information readily available, you will expedite this difficult process by making it easy for Duluth bankruptcy lawyers to properly fill out and file your petition.