Coming to the decision to file for bankruptcy can be very difficult. But if you have reached the point where you realize that your debts have far exceeded what you can ever afford to pay back, bankruptcy can be a chance for a clean slate. It is never a good idea to try to file for bankruptcy on your own. It is always in your best interest to retain the services of an experienced bankruptcy lawyer. When you find a local bankruptcy lawyer, you will need to have an initial meeting. It is essential to be ready for the meeting so your bankruptcy proceedings can move forward smoothly. Use the following tips to help you prepare for your first meeting with a bankruptcy lawyer.
Be Ready to Be Honest
It is not uncommon for people to feel embarrassed or ashamed of the debt that they have accumulated, not matter what the circumstances are. However, when it comes to filing for bankruptcy, it is extremely important to be open and honest with your lawyer. He and she will need to know as much as possible about your debts in order to move forward with the case. While you're preparing for your initial meeting with your lawyer, it can be helpful to make a list of all of your debt so you don't forget to mention anything.
Gather Documents
There are different types of bankruptcy, and the type that you will qualify for will depend on your unique financial information. In order to best serve you, your bankruptcy lawyer will need a clear picture of your finances. Thus, prior to your first meeting with your lawyer, you will need to gather a lot of different documents. These include that last couple of years of tax returns, several months of bank statements, the deeds to any real estate that you may own, copies of your monthly household bills, and copies of information related to your debt, such as credit card bills or medical bills. Having all of this information available will make it much easier for your bankruptcy attorney to advise you.
Make a List of Questions
Most people are not familiar with filing for bankruptcy, so they don't know what to expect. During your initial visit, your lawyer will be available to answer any questions you may have. Take the time to make a list of questions before your meeting. One question that you have to remember to ask is how much the lawyer will charge for his or her services. Make sure that you hire a bankruptcy lawyer that you can afford to pay so you don't run out of funds before your bankruptcy is confirmed by a judge.
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