Just the thought of bankruptcy can bring on stress, but thinking about it is exactly what filers have to do before they make the decision. You might find that filing brings a great sense of relief, however. You might even find out that just meeting with a bankruptcy lawyer makes you feel a lot better about your future. Read on and find out how to make sure you get as much as you can out of your first bankruptcy lawyer meeting.
Bring Important Documents
Bankruptcy filers need to submit a wide variety of financial documents to file, and you can do yourself a favor by bringing them with you when you meet your new lawyer. They will make copies and use the information on the forms to advise you on bankruptcy matters. For example, filers can choose from several different chapters of bankruptcy, but most choose either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Knowing something about your assets, debt, and income will help steer you towards the best chapter for you. If you can bring the following with you, it'll give you and your case a faster start:
Be Aware of Dates and Deadlines
Some filers have fallen so behind on their bills that they are about to lose property. In some cases, you might have delayed seeing a lawyer in the hopes you could catch up on your obligations on your own. If you are being threatened with foreclosure, repossession, or eviction, you might only have a certain amount of time to act and get your bankruptcy filed. This is a time-sensitive issue, and you must let your lawyer know about it right away. If you are being sued in court for an unpaid debt, you must act fast to prevent a court judgment. The resulting judgment could complicate your bankruptcy and make you lose some of your salary to wage garnishment.
Dredge Up the Past
You are not just being evaluated on your current situation, but the bankruptcy courts can go back several months when it comes to certain issues. If you've sold or given away property in the past few months, be ready to let your lawyer know about it. Also, if you've used your credit cards to charge items or to take cash advances, let it be known. Your lawyer might advise you to wait a bit before you file.
You are among friends when you meet with your lawyer, and there's no need to feel ashamed. Many people declare bankruptcy every hour of the day, and you deserve to use the law to make your own fresh start. Contact a bankruptcy attorney services provider for more information.
Share22 May 2020
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