The decision to file for bankruptcy is not an easy one. It is a legally complicated process which would affect your quality of life. There will be lots of decision to be made throughout the process but the first one you should settle is whether or not you should hire a Virginia Bankruptcy Attorney.
Finding an experienced bankruptcy attorney will be well worth your time because professional legal assistance can mean the difference between a setback and a solution. Now you may find it counterintuitive to pay attorney’s fees, most especially when you have major financial issues, but bankruptcy laws are complicated and ever-changing. Having a good bankruptcy attorney is practically a necessity.
Now that we have that settled, let us dive how you can get ready for your consultation with a bankruptcy lawyer.
Don’t Be Shy
Many clients find themselves shy or embarrassed about the state of their financial affairs. There’s no need to be. You might feel loss, anxiety, sadness, anger, fear, or even relief. Your bankruptcy lawyer understands that it is only natural to feel those emotions as you start your bankruptcy journey, so don’t feel ashamed if they come up during your first meeting. Also, keep in mind that your lawyer is in there to help you.
Questions Your Attorney Will Ask You
To best serve your interest, your bankruptcy attorney will need your assistance and cooperation.
Below are some of the questions your attorney will ask you:
General Questions
1. Complete name, marriage status, and date of birth
2. Social Security Number
3. Whether the petition is joint
4. Present address
5. Previous addresses in the last two (2) years
6. Family background such as children’s names and ages
7. Whether you provide child or spousal support
8. Employer information
9. Income information
10. Business information
11. List of banks where you have an account
12. Your credit cards and approximate balances
13. Whether you hold valuable property belonging to another
14. Whether you had a prior bankruptcy
15. Any history in repossessions
16. Whether you suffered losses by fire, theft or gambling
Debt Questions
1. Whether you owe any money to the Internal Revenue Service
2. Whether you owe any money to state tax authorities
3. Whether you have unpaid student loans
4. Whether you anticipate substantial change in expenses in the near future
5. When your debt was incurred
6. Whether your home is in foreclosure
7. Whether you are late on payments
8. Whether you recently purchased or transferred any property
9. What are your hopes in filing for bankruptcy
10. Provide estimates for all your monthly expenses
o Rent
o Mortgage
o Real estate taxes
o Home insurance
o Home expenses
o Repair or upkeep expenses
o Phone/ Cable/ Internet
o Heat/ Gas
o Groceries
o Personal Care
o Recreation
o Medical expenses
o Dental expenses
o Prescriptions
o Health insurance
o Tax payments
o Life insurance
o Other insurance
o Car insurance
o Car maintenance
o Transportation expenses
o Children’s education expenses, if any
o Child support or Alimony
o Charity/ Tithes
o Other applicable monthly expenses
Questions You Should Ask Your Attorney
To help yourself and your attorney get the perfect insight of your financial trouble, there are also some questions you need to ask your attorney.
What are your fees?
Which bankruptcy should I file for?
Will all my debt disappear if I file for bankruptcy?
Will there be a payment plan?
Will I lose any property or money in the whole process?
What does the bankruptcy process involve?
How much will filing for bankruptcy cost me?
Documents You Need to Provide
Documents are needed by your bankruptcy attorney to better understand your financial position.
Some of the documents include, but not limited to:
1. Bank statements
2. Recent bills from creditors
3. Record of recent payments on properties
4. Invoices and bills for purchases in the past year
5. Documents from previous litigation, if any
6. Judgments or orders, if any
7. Files from previous attorneys
8. Divorce decrees, if any
9. Child support orders, if any
10. Canceled checks
11. Tax returns for the past three (3) years
12. Land titles
13. Vehicle ownership titles
14. Mortgage documents
15. Lease documents
16. Insurance policies
17. Mail or email from creditors
18. Proof of any debts you owe
19. Proof of debts owed to you
Once you have gathered all the documents, it will now be easier for your bankruptcy attorney to prepare your petition. You are now ready to consult with a Virginia Bankruptcy Attorney. If it goes well, you should feel a sense of relief at the end of the consultation and feel confident in the lawyer’s bankruptcy plan.
We Can Help
You can take comfort in knowing that if you hire Fredericksburg Bankruptcy Attorney Tori Bramble, you will have someone who understands the system and is on your side. Our goal is to help you get to where you want to be financially. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at (540) 628-7340 or email us at info@bramblelawfirm.com.
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