Your First Appointment

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Before we can begin discussing what your financial options are, we need to get a current snapshot of your income, debts and unique circumstances. Bankruptcy may not be the best option for some and in order to determine what debt relief options are available, we need the information indicated below.

Although not necessary for the first consultation, you can also download our client questionnaire, fill it out and bring it to the free initial consultation or fill it out online and we will print it out at our office.

Whether you qualify for a chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy will largely depend upon your income received during the past six months. For your first meeting at our offices, please try to bring as many of the following records as possible:

• Proof of income: For the 2 months prior to your initial consultation, you will need to bring in proof of income. This includes paycheck advices (stubs), and proof of any other income. Other income includes social security benefits, unemployment benefits, government benefits, pensions, child support, or workers’ compensation.
• Bank statements: Bring at least one bank statements of all accounts that you are listed on.
• Vehicles: The estimated value of any cars titled under your name and their payoff amount.
• Credit Debts: Recent credit card statements or a recent credit report. You can obtain a free credit report online.
• Foreclosure Lawsuit – if applicable
• Judgments/Garnishments: Copies of any judgments that have been entered against you. Copies of any garnishments that have been issued against your wages or bank accounts.
• Income Tax Return: Although this is not absolutely necessary for the initial consultation, If you decide to file bankruptcy, you will have to your income tax returns (including all attachments) for the past 3 years. If you have not filed a tax return and wish to do so, contact www.efileflorida.com.
• Mortgage: Monthly statement for all mortgages on real estate you own.

If you do not have all of the information above in time for the initial consultation, bring as many of the items as you can to the first meeting with our Fort Lauderdale bankruptcy attorney.