{"id":286889,"date":"2023-12-12T08:41:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-12T13:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/bankruptcy\/before-you-file\/checklist-documents-to-show-to-your-bankruptcy-attorney.html"},"modified":"2024-05-28T13:27:18","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T18:27:18","slug":"checklist-documents-to-show-to-your-bankruptcy-attorney","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/before-you-file\/checklist-documents-to-show-to-your-bankruptcy-attorney.html","title":{"rendered":"Checklist: Documents To Show to Your Bankruptcy Attorney"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Checklist: Documents To Show to Your Bankruptcy Attorney<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Bridget Molitor, JD<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Filing a bankruptcy petition is not a simple matter for debtors. Rather, it can involve complex dealings with the bankruptcy court<\/a>, bankruptcy trustee, first meeting of creditors, and lenders. It could also have a major impact on your daily life. Filing for bankruptcy<\/a> can affect your credit score, credit report, and property.<\/p>\r\n

Naturally, this is a stressful situation you never envisioned yourself in. The situation can be made easier by making good choices, such as hiring a competent bankruptcy attorney<\/a>, collecting your financial data, and familiarizing yourself with bankruptcy forms.<\/p>\r\n

Continue reading to learn which documents you need to prepare for your personal bankruptcy case.<\/p>\r\n

What Paperwork Do I Need to File for Bankruptcy?<\/h2>\r\n

Use the checklist below to gather the paperwork that complies with the Bankruptcy Code. This checklist can be a useful proactive tool to help you collect and organize the proper paperwork before filing for bankruptcy and paying your filing fee.<\/p>\r\n

You can bring this paperwork to an attorney so they can provide you with the best advice and representation.<\/p>\r\n

Financial Records<\/h3>\r\n

Your financial records are some of the first documents you should collect prior to your bankruptcy filing. These records will help determine which type of bankruptcy<\/a> is best suited for you.<\/p>\r\n

For example, if your financial documents show you have a regular income that enables you to make monthly payments, your best fit may be Chapter 13 bankruptcy<\/a> for debt relief. This may have significant implications. Chapter 13 allows debtors to keep possession of their property and pay their debts over time with a repayment plan.<\/p>\r\n

The needed financial records include:<\/p>\r\n