Checklist: Documents To Show To Your Bankruptcy Attorney

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When faced with credit problems and potential bankruptcy, hiring an attorney might be the answer to getting your financial life back on track. If you are planning to contact an attorney, use the checklist below to gather the documents that the attorney will need to see to provide you with the best advice and representation.

Financial Records 

• Most recent bank statements
• Most recent bills from every creditor
• Most recent payment coupons for vehicles (lease or purchase), real estate, and student loans
• Bills or invoices for purchases in the last year
• Receipts

Legal Records

• Files from previous litigation, including especially any judgments that have been entered against you
• Files from previous attorneys
• Any divorce decree or other court order that requires you to pay child support or maintenance

Additional Documents

• Canceled Checks for any expense you cannot otherwise document
• ALL your correspondence with or regarding creditors, especially threat letter
• ALL insurance policies
• Tax returns for the last three years
• Vehicle titles
• Your lease or mortgage
• Any promissory notes you have signed
• Other documents relating to debts you owe other people
• Any proof that anyone owes you money
• Any lawsuits with which you have been served

See also:

• Attorney Intake Questionnaire: Hiring a Bankruptcy Attorney 
• Get Legal Help with Bankruptcy or Debt
• Bankruptcy & Debt: Forms and Resources