What Do I Need to File for Bankruptcy?

 Posted on April 29, 2014 in Bankruptcy

The best way to prepare for bankruptcy filing is to work with an experienced attorney, as there are strict rules and guidelines for filing bankruptcy in Texas. And knowing what to expect in advance can make the process easier for you.

Failing to file for bankruptcy properly could result in your case being dismissed entirely, so it is worth your time to review filing requirements ahead of time. Bear in mind that you will need to complete a credit counseling course before you can file, so you might want to plan several months in advance.

The first part of your bankruptcy file is your petition. You will also need to submit schedules, a statement of your financial affairs, a debtor statement of intention, a statement of your current monthly income, and a list of up to 20 unsecured creditors. These documents all should be submitted with your bankruptcy petition. Additional documentation to be submitted includes a pro se questionnaire if representing yourself, proof of credit counseling completion, a creditor matrix verification, and a Chapter 13 repayment plan if applicable.

It may help to gather all of the necessary materials in advance to discuss with your bankruptcy attorney. Maintaining copies of your tax returns for the last few years is also important. You will want to review your credit report in advance to match it up with your own list of debts and to verify whether there are any mistakes on the report. The more knowledgeable you are about your affairs, the easier it will be to file your bankruptcy petition.

Prepare for bankruptcy by working directly with your attorney. Specific regulations will depend on the type of bankruptcy you are filing, but you can have most of your questions answered by your lawyer. If believe that filing is your best option, contact a Texas bankruptcy attorney today to discuss your bankruptcy file preparation.