Getting Ready to File

Step 1: Get Your Free Consultation

Prior to your initial consultation I ask that you complete a questionnaire. You will be directed to the questionnaire when you click the Schedule Appointment Button. It is important for me to gather this information prior to your appointment so that I make sure to have all the information that I need to evaluate your case. At your initial consultation, I will evaluate your case based on the information you provided in the initial questionnaire and during the consultation. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and if you chose to retain, I can help you set up payment and get your case started. If you prefer to wait to retain me to assist you, you will receive an email with a link to schedule an appointment to retain my services.

Step 2: Retain My Services

During this appointment we will sign a representation agreement and go through all of the procedures and paperwork that you will need to complete. If you pay in full at this appointment, I can start preparing your case as soon as you provide all of the documents that are required to file the case. We can also set up payment plans to last up to 6 months.

Step 3: Complete Your Paperwork

To prepare a bankruptcy case I will need you to provide us with a completed Client Questionnaire (you will be provided with a link once you retain my services. In addition, I will need you to provide documents that will substantiate your disclosures. Each case is different, so I will customize that list based on your case, but here is a sample list of documents that I will likely need:

Identification – Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport
Proof of Social Security Number – SS Card or Medicare ID Card or W2/1099 if they contain the entire SS # (no tax returns)
Bank Statements for the most recent 6 months for all open accounts with your name on the account even if you do not use the account – close accounts that you are not using. Often people forget about Credit Union accounts that were opened for the purposes of an auto loan e.g. – we need these too!
Proof of Income for the most recent six months (Pay stubs, Monthly Income and Expenses from Business, Gifts from friends or relative, public benefits such as Social Security, Snap, Disability Insurance, Worker’s Comp/L&I, gambling winnings etc.
Tax returns for the most recent 2 years (if any) for a chapter 7 and 4 years if you are filing chapter 13. If you need to file a chapter 13, you will need to have your most recent 4 years of tax returns filed. If you have not completed those returns, I recommend you get those taxes done immediately. I can provide you with a referral to a tax professional and/or guidance on how to take care of these yourself.
Registration or Title to Motor Vehicles and Trailers. I will need a private party sale value of the vehicles as well.
Monthly statement of Vehicle Loans (if any)
Property Tax Statement for Home (if any)
Monthly Mortgage statements (if any)
Zillow, Redfin, or Comparative Analysis of your home value or value of other real estate
If you have a business, I will need information regarding its formation, assets and liabilities, income and expenses, employees, partners etc.

Step 4: Complete Your Credit Counseling Coursework

You are required to take two online classes in order to obtain a discharge in Bankruptcy. The first class is called Credit Counseling. This class takes approximately 2 hours to complete (probably less, but you are required to spend 2 hours to complete). Once you finish answering the questions, you will need to call the counseling agency to validate your answers. They will send a certificate. This course must be done within the 180 prior to filing your case. You need to complete prior to filing – so if you are facing foreclosure or repossession, take the course ASAP. Most of my clients use Allen Debt Counseling.

Step 5: Sign Your Documents (It's Time to File!)

The next step is reviewing the bankruptcy petition and schedules that I have prepared for you. I provide instructions on how to review. We will meet to go over the papers together and make any necessary changes. We must meet either via video conference on Microsoft Teams or in Person at my office. I will file the papers as soon as you sign them!

Step 6: Complete All Post-Filing Obligations

Within one week after your case is filed, you have a couple things to take care of. You will need to provide me with additional bank statements and transaction records, and you will need to take a second Credit Counseling Course to obtain a certificate.

Step 7: Attend a Meeting of Creditors

All debtors must attend a meeting of creditors. This proceeding is conducted by the Trustee who is assigned to the case. It is not a court proceeding and there is no judge presiding. It is most akin to a deposition. All 341 meetings are held by Zoom. They ask questions about your disclosures on your bankruptcy petitions and schedules.

Step 8: Get Your Discharge and a FRESH START!

Now, with your fresh start, you can start repairing your credit. Get peace of mind and carry on with your life!