Once you have decided that bankruptcy in Arizona may be a good option to help you manage your debt, consult with a Phoenix bankruptcy lawyer at EZ Legal Fees by WantAFreshStart to determine which steps should be taken next. The first meeting with your attorney will be a highly productive one, in which you will give him or her all of the information required to establish and pursue your claim. But what documents will an attorney look for, and what information should you be prepared to provide?

Documents for the Initial Review

The first meeting will be a document-intensive experience. Your Phoenix bankruptcy attorney will need to learn your financial background inside and out to represent you effectively, and he or she will need to get a firm grasp on your debts and their extent. Below is a list of some documents that will be helpful to get your case off the ground:

  • Receipts for large purchases
  • Bank statements
  • Income tax returns
  • Pay stubs
  • Your list of creditors, including the amount owed to each and their contact information
  • Any documentation surrounding outstanding major loans
  • An account of your high value personal effects and property

Information to Move Your Case Forward

It is entirely possible that your Phoenix bankruptcy lawyer will ask you to provide documentation other than what has been discussed during your initial meeting. If your case is to move forward, you will likely need to provide:

  • Copies of your Titles and Deeds
  • Proof of Insurance, as policies may become part of the bankruptcy estate, or may be impacted by bankruptcy itself
  • Recent pay stubs, up to 6 months prior
  • Loan payoff documentation

These are some examples of things your bankruptcy attorney will likely request, but each case is different. After the initial meeting, you and your lawyer can determine the best course of action together, and he or she will advise you regarding what additional information will be helpful to your claim.

Missing a Document?

If one of the documents listed sounds like it would be relevant to your case but isn’t something you have at the moment, there’s no need to panic. Generally, you will have a grace period during which you can request copies of your documents and pool your information to work in your favor. It can be difficult at times to determine where to begin to get a particular document, and it is during this time your lawyer can be especially helpful.

Bankruptcy attorneys are there to guide you through your proceedings, and are experienced helping clients get the  documentation needed to smoothly advance their bankruptcy petition.  Be sure to ask questions if you are unsure of something, it’s why we’re here.

Helpful Questions to Ask

One of the most important documents you can bring to your lawyer is your list of questions. Especially early on in your case, learning what to expect and approaching the proceedings with clarity will give you confidence and may ease any stress surrounding your transaction. Some useful questions to get you started at your first consultation include:

  • Is filing for bankruptcy my best option?
  • Why are you the best attorney to help me with my bankruptcy?
  • Are there any issues you foresee running into with my case?
  • What process do you plan to use to handle my case?
  • How long should the entire process take?
  • What steps can I take to prepare for this process?

Fortunately, when you work with one of our experienced Phoenix bankruptcy attorneys, you will be meeting exclusively with a licensed and bar certified lawyer. This means that our attorneys have met thorough and specific standards in bankruptcy law, and have demonstrated distinction in understanding and excellence in applying these laws for our clients  Bringing these and any other questions you have will yield fruitful results, as our company deals solely with bankruptcy law and, therefore, boasts ample experience in Arizona. With a focus solely on bankruptcy cases, we can help you uncover the best options for your financial future and security. Call us at (602) GOT-DEBT to schedule your free initial consultation.