Do You Know What to Bring to Your First Consultation with a Bankruptcy Attorney?

Last updated 3 months ago

Deciding to file for bankruptcy is the first step toward regaining solid financial ground. To fully understand your situation and recommend the best course of legal action, a bankruptcy attorney needs certain documentation and information. Here are a few things to bring to your initial consultation with a bankruptcy attorney:

Financial Information

Before you and your attorney can begin the bankruptcy process, you need to divulge all aspects of your finances. This includes past tax returns, recent pay stubs, current bank account balances, your stock portfolio, and a list of assets—everything that gives your lawyer a complete picture of your financial situation. If you purposefully hold back vital information, you may be accused of bankruptcy fraud.

Debt Information

Deciding whether to file for Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy depends largely on how much and what kinds of debt you incurred. Therefore, you should bring any and all information regarding your debts, including recent bills, mortgage contracts, loan agreements, and all correspondence with your creditors. If you feel unsure about divulging certain debt information, you should know that your attorney is bound by a confidentiality laws.

Questions

Since the main topic of discussion will be your financial wellbeing, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the bankruptcy process and its results. Before your appointment, it’s always a good idea to brainstorm a list of questions about whether you will have to foreclose and how you can rebuild your credit. A good lawyer always provides detailed answers and may even offer information you didn’t anticipate.

If you’re looking for a bankruptcy lawyer in the Milwaukee or Waukesha area, contact Burr Law Office. Attorney Michael Burr will guide you through the bankruptcy process, every step of the way. Call us at (262) 827-0375 to schedule a consultation.