Deciding to file for bankruptcy is a difficult decision. If you have explored your options on how to best handle your debts and learned how bankruptcy can help you, then you need to know about bankruptcy preparation also.
Once you’ve decided to file, there are a few critical things you will need to do to prepare for the filing. If you live in Georgia in Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, Long Bryan, Bulloch, Screven, or Tatnall counties, then our bankruptcy law firm can help you. We invite you to meet with us for a free consultation to explore how bankruptcy can erase debts and give you the fresh financial start you need. Call us today at (912) 351-9000 or contact us here.
Bankruptcy Preparation
When you hire us to help you file for bankruptcy, we will guide you through every step of the process. The majority of the preparation you will need to do will happen before your case is even filed.
Gather the Necessary Documents
So that we can prepare your Bankruptcy Petition there are a number of documents we will need. Some of these documents are also provided to the Bankruptcy Trustee assigned to your case after it is filed.
- 6 months of pay stubs
- 6 months of documentation of other sources of income (if applicable)
- 6 months of profit & loss statements (if self-employed or you own a business)
- Copies of your bills and documentation of other debts you owe
- Copy of your most recent mortgage statement(s)
- Copy of your most recent car loan statement(s)
- Copy of your federal and state income tax return or a transcript of the return, for the most recent filed year ending immediately before your case is filed.
- Copies of paperwork in regard to pending lawsuits, wage garnishment, bank levies, foreclosure on real property, or repossession notices
- List of all bank and credit union accounts
- Record of any interest you have in an individual educational retirement account or under a qualified state tuition program.
- Certificate of completion for pre-filing credit counseling (explained below)
We understand that for some people one of the most daunting tasks is to gather documents. If you begin to feel overwhelmed with gathering all of these documents, take it one document at a time.
Complete the Pre-Filing Credit Counseling Course
You must complete the mandatory Credit Counseling course within 180-days prior to filing for bankruptcy. When you finish the course you will receive a certificate of completion, which must be filed with the Bankruptcy Court.
Credit Counseling can be completed online or over the phone. Generally speaking, the course is straightforward, inexpensive, and not too time-consuming.
The purpose of mandatory Credit Counseling is to help you explore whether or not you need to file for bankruptcy. The course is designed to aid you in considering if there is a feasible way you can pay back your debts. Understand that Credit Counseling is not meant to deter you from bankruptcy. You must complete the counseling; however, you are under no obligation to carry out any recommendations made by the credit counseling agency.
Review Your Bankruptcy Petition
Once we complete your bankruptcy petition, you will review it to ensure that it is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge. It is important to be thorough and accurate when filing for bankruptcy. Fixing errors or omissions in your petition later, if possible, can be costly and time-consuming. Once your bankruptcy petition is complete, we will file it with the Bankruptcy Court on your behalf.
We Can Help You Get Out of Debt
Here at the Law Office of Barbara B. Braziel, we help people get out of debt. We are the premier bankruptcy law firm in Savannah, GA and we practice exclusively in bankruptcy law. Our experienced attorneys are committed to ensuring you understand the protections and benefits of bankruptcy and how filing will affect you and your family. We invite you to get to know us here and read about the clients we’ve helped here.
Call us today at (912) 351-9000 or contact us to schedule a free consultation.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Find out more about Bankruptcy in our guide: All About Bankruptcy.
