Getting Started
The first thing we really need to do in order to determine what course of action is best for you is for me to find out about your situation. We can do this by telephone, by using the internet and in person. Hopefully, a combination of all three.
It is probably best if you complete the Questionnaires (1-6) initially as it tells me alot about your situation and helps you to prepare the information that needs to be provided. We can then speak by telephone and I can better answer your questions. Then, if you are comfortable using the computer it is a good way to answer a lot of routine questions. By doing so online we can then concentrate on the issues which are important.
I have made these Questionnaires as easy as possible with many of the questions requiring a simply "yes" or "no" answer.
By answering these questions online the time we have to spend together can be better spend as the answers give me an indication of what issues need to explored further.
There are no "right" or "wrong" answers, just answer the questions the best you can and we can discuss them when we meet.
Answering these Questionnaires will not establish an attorney/client relationship. Such a relationship is not established until a mutual agreement is reached on the terms of representation.
Please answer all Questionnaires which apply to you.
1. Initial Questionnaire
2. Asset Questionnaire
3. Real Estate Questionnaire
(Only need to fill out this Questionnaire if you own or are buying real estate, a house, a condo, etc. If you own or our buying more than one, please complete it for EACH piece).
4. Car, Boat etc Questionnaire
(Only need to fill out this Questionnaire if you are buying a car, boat etc.If you are buying more than one asset please complete it for EACH asset.)
5. Expense Questionnaire
6. Income Questionnaire
7. Statement of Financial Affairs
8. Additional Statement of Affairs Questions
(You need answer these questions if, in the last 6 years you were an officer, director or executive manager of a corporation, you were a partner in a partnership or you were a sole proprietor engaged in business.)
Every case is different so it is impossible for me to list out exactly what I will need you to bring to a meeting. Having said that, here is a list of items which I commonly need. If they apply to you try to bring them. The more accurate the information I have about your situation the better advice I can provide. Don't panic if you don't have all the documents initially. Bring with you:
(1)Your Photo Identification.
(2) Social Security Card. If you do not have your social security card then bring another form of identification card that has your social security number, such as (a) medical insurance card;(b) pay stub;(c) W-2 form;(d) Internal Revenue Service Form 1099; or(e) Social Security Administration report.
(3) Credit card bills and bills from other creditor to whom you owe money. If you are missing a bill, then write down the creditors name and address and amount owed.
(4) Pay Stubs from each Job, which you have received for the past 60 Days.
(5)The latest Two (2) Bank Statement for each bank account you have.
(6) List the amount of monthly income that you received for the Past Six Months (or bring the pay-stubs etc in order for us to figure this out).
(7) The Most Recent 2 Federal Tax Return. If you misplaced them, I can order a Tax Return Transcripts.
(8) If you own a Car(s) or other Vehicle(s), (including motorcycles or boats or any vehicle on which your name appears on the title) bring in the coupon book or similar document if you owe money to a lender as well as the contract you have concerning that vehicle.
(9) Copies of all lawsuits, garnishments, or foreclosure documents.
(10) If you owe the IRS Taxes, bring in any Notices they have send you. Your taxes may be dischargeable.
(11) Bills that show the amount that you pay monthly on rent, utilities, and other large expenses.
(12) Tickets to the Department of Licensing (and parking tickets). It may be possible to get your license re-instated in a chapter 13 case.
(13)If you are buying real estate I need to see the coupon book you use to make payments as well as the loan documents with the lender if you can locate them.
(14) Any Credit Reports you have.
(15) Any other document you think I might need to see.