How Do I Prepare For a Bankruptcy Filing--Next Steps
Posted By on May 30, 2010 6:28pm PDT
You've made the hard decision to prepare to file bankruptcy. What are the next steps??
Obtain your credit report
We recommend obtaining a credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com. It is a free credit report and allows you to print reports from the three credit agencies. Get all three reports. Having your credit report will allow you to make sure to that all reported debts are listed in your bankruptcy petition--including debts you may not realize have been reported--and include all debts, not just the debts for current bills you may have.
Get a credit counseling certificate
You can use any credit counseling agency authorized in your state or to provide credit counseling in advance of bankruptcy. Obtaining a credit counseling certificate is required prior to filing bankruptcy, except in a select few emergency situations. Consumer Credit Counseling (CCCS) has a web site that allows you to log on and obtain your certificate on-line or via telephone, www.cccs-inc.org . There are other credit counseling agencies authorized in Maryland, the list can be viewed at the United States Trustee's web site at http://www.justice.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/cc_approved.htm.
Organize your financial documents
1. Get together copies of your last 2 (two) years tax returns together for your Baltimore Bankruptcy Attorney.
2. Make copies of your last 3 (three) months bank statements.
3. Collect your last 6 (six) months pay advices together for your bankruptcy attorney.
4. Assemble copies of all outstanding bills, including judgements, taxes, utilities, medical and credit card statements.
5. Make copies of your your deed if you own a home and your last mortgage and auto payment statements.
Whether you live in Baltimore County, Frederick County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County or the District of Columbia, having all these documents organized will put you ahead in the process to file your bankruptcy case and receive a fresh start.
Contact your Baltimore Bankruptcy Attorney or Maryland Bankruptcy Attorney to learn about other necessary steps in order to file bankruptcy and obtain your new beginning. Contact us to obtain a free consultation or case evaluation.