A Fresh Start to a Better Future

Our firm gives the extra effort needed to develop the right solution for our clients. The following are the steps our firm utilizes to ensure you are informed through the entire process:

• FREE initial consultation — A lawyer will meet with you in person to review your situation and explain your bankruptcy options. If bankruptcy is not the right solution for you or you have better alternatives, we feel it is our job to tell you so.
• Items needed for your consultation appointment
• A copy of your most recent bill from each source.
• If possible, make a summarized list of the creditors you owe and how much (even those you intent to keep), starting with secured debts (house and car), then priority debts (child support and taxes), and unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans). Exclude monthly utility bills you pay off each month.
• Most recent federal and state tax returns and W-2s.
• Most recent pay stubs.
• For any real estate you own or are buying, a copy of the last tax bill or a recent appraisal (any estimate you have showing the approximate value of the property).
• Make, model, year and mileage for any vehicles you own or are currently buying.
• If you were divorced in the last six years, a copy of your marital settlement agreement.
• Intake meeting — Once you are committed to moving forward, we will schedule a second, two hour meeting with one of our attorneys. This will be an in-depth discussion of your finances, assets, and a thorough explanation of the bankruptcy process. We do not accept any money from you until you are fully informed and are committed to moving forward.

• Items needed for your Intake appointment:
• Copies of state and federal tax returns filed for 2017 and 2018 including W2s and 1099s.
• All pay stubs received in the last seven months for every job you and your spouse may have been employed at (even if filing individually). If you do not retain copies, please obtain an itemized printout or confirmation from your employer in advance.
• If you are self-employed or own your own business, gross income and expense information for this year and the preceding two years related to the business.
• Monetary amount you received in Social Security, rental income, retirement income, child support or from any other source for this year, 2017, and 2018.
• Most recent bill from each source including those you may prefer to keep. Do not include bills you pay off every month, such as utility or phone bills unless you are behind.
• Any court, lawsuit or garnishment papers received in the last two years.
• Three preceding months of checking and savings account statements; if you have closed, redeemed, or removed your name from any accounts in the last 12 months, obtain the date and amount at the time it was closed or redeemed.
• Previous addresses you have lived at for the last 36 months (three years) from today (make a list including the month and year you lived at each address).
• Most recent tax assessment bill for all real estate you own showing what it is valued at as well as a copy of any recent appraisal you may possess.
• Amount currently deposited in any retirement, stocks, bonds, or other financial accounts; if you have closed, redeemed, or removed your name from an account in the last twelve months, obtain the date and amount in the account at the time it was closed or redeemed.
• For any life insurance policies you may own, proof of beneficiary information and current cash value for each, if any; check in advance with your insurance agent if you cannot readily obtain this information.
• Name and address of all persons you are obligated to pay child support or alimony to as well as the amount of any arrearage you may owe.
• All loan documents including a list of all collateral pledged for the loan. For any debts secured by a car or home, we will need the current payoff information on the loan.
• If you have paid back any debts or loans to a family member or relative in the last 12 months, provide the name of the person(s) and the date / amount of the repayment(s).
• If you have transferred any property (real estate, vehicles, furniture, etc.) in the last two years, provide details as to what was sold, to whom, when and how much was received.
• If you paid tithes, offerings or made gifts to any churches, charities or third parties in the last 24 months totaling over $600, list the name, address, and best estimates for the amount you have paid during that time frame.
• Copies of all titles to vehicles, boats, mobile homes, or trailers as well as any recorded mortgages on real estate in your possession.
• If you have divorced in the last six years, a copy of any marital settlement agreement or divorce judgment showing the apportionment of any assets or liabilities.
• An itemized list of your current estimated monthly expenses (click here for an itemized expense sheet to fill out in advance of your appointment).

• Signing meeting — After you have committed to filing, provided all of the documentation needed to prepare your paperwork and paid the proper fees, we will prepare your bankruptcy Petition and Schedules. The signing meeting is where you will review the paperwork with your attorney to ensure that everything is accurate and make any corrections, if needed. When you leave the appointment, your bankruptcy case will be filed. We will provide you with a Court assigned case number, filing date and knowledge of the date and time of the meeting you will be required to attend.