If you are interested in the relief offered under the Bankruptcy Code, there are some things to do to prepare for your first consultation and subsequent meetings.  When you come to Yates Law Office for the first time to discuss financial issues, be prepared to provide basic information on debts and income.  This will lead to meaningful conversation concerning whether bankruptcy is right for you and if so, which chapter.

Once the decision is made to file, work begins on the Petition.  Clients will receive a link to an individual debtor portal to allow them to input their information in the privacy of their own home.  This information is then received by the Yates Law Office and uploaded into its bankruptcy programs for processing.  In addition, you will be required to pay the filing and attorney fees and be asked to provide the following prior to completion of the Petition:

• Pay Advice (pay stubs) for past 6 months
• Bank Statements (all checking & savings accounts) for past 6 months
• Tax Returns for past 2 years
• Copy of Drivers License and Social Security Card
• Deed and Mortgage (if applicable) or Lease Agreement
• Title to Motor Vehicles
• Information Concerning Investments, Retirement, and Life Insurance
• Applicable Divorce Decrees and Orders
• Any Court Judgment
• Collection Notices and Repossession Information

The final step prior to filing is taking a pre-filing Debtor Education Course from an approved vendor.  There are a number of providers online at costs as low as $9.99.  After the filing of your Petition, you will have to take a Credit Counseling course (often from the same vendor).