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General rule: Bring copies of every shred of documentation that you possess regarding your financial situation, including, but not limited to, the following:
INCOME (What cash comes in each month):
Current Income: All documents establishing your current income from whatever source for the last 6 months (e.g. your paystubs from each employer you've worked for, unemployment compensation statement, disability income statement, social security benefit information, pension statement, proof of alimony/support received).
Tax returns: A copy of your federal and state tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, and all supporting statements from the last two years.
EXPENSES (What cash goes out each month):
Current Expenses: Documents that will refresh your recollection of amounts paid each month for the following:
Rent or Home Mortgage Payment, Taxes & Insurance
Utilities
Home Maintenance
Food
Clothing
Laundry & Dry Cleaning
Medical & Dental Expenses
Transportation
Recreation, Entertainment
Charitable Contributions
Insurance
Taxes
Installment Payments (Auto, Student Loan, etc.)
Alimony, Maintenance, Support
Payments in support of Additional Dependents
Regular Expenses from Operation of a Business
ASSETS (What you own):
Real Estate: Proof of current value (e.g. appraisal or broker's market analysis), Deed and Homeowner’s Policy.
Mortgages/Home Equity Loans On Real Estate: Payoff statement or other written proof of the payoff balance, and any foreclosure or sale notices.
Motor Vehicles: Papers showing ownership and proof of payoff balance. If leased, bring a copy of the contract or lease and payoff statement.
Pension, 401K, IRA, Keogh, Or Other Retirement Plan: Most recent statement and the Plan Summary booklet (available from your plan administrator or your human resources department) showing what kind of plan it is and how it operates.
Financial Accounts: Most recent statement for all current financial accounts (bank accounts, brokerage accounts, etc.), and final statement for any account closed in the last two years.
Life Insurance Policies: Declaration page of your whole or universal life policies.
Other Documents: Establishing money owed to you.
Lawsuits Pending or Claims for Bodily Injury where you are suing somebody: Bring all court papers. If no suit filed to date, a copy of your contract with the attorney representing you, doctor’s or medical reports, and any police reports. If the claim was settled in the last year, provide documents.
If You Own A Business: Copies of tax returns filed for the last three years, financial statements for the last two years, and bank statements for the last three months.
LIABILITIES (What you owe):
Credit Reports: Any credit reports in your possession.
Bills: Most recent credit card, store charges, utility bills, medical bills, unsecured loans, home improvement loans, auto loans, tax delinquencies, tickets, fines, criminal restitution, fraud judgments, student loans, etc.
Correspondence: From collection agencies or attorneys.
Leases and Contracts: (e.g. home or apartment rental, furniture rental, car leases): Bring a copy of the contract or lease and payoff statement.
Guaranties and Notes: Signed as a principal, endorser or co-signer.
Summonses, Complaints & Judgments where you are being sued: All legal proceedings to which you were a party in the last two years, including evidence of wage attachments/garnishments.
OTHER DOCUMENTS:
Prior Bankruptcies: Discharge Order and Schedules.
Property You No Longer Own: If you sold, gave away or transferred any real estate in the last four years, provide a copy of the closing statements. If you sold or gave away anything else worth more than $500 in the last four years, provide proof.
Separation or Divorce: If you are separated, divorced or entered into a divorce property settlement in the last two years, provide a copy of your Divorce Judgment, any court papers or settlement papers, and any Case Information Statements or financial disclosures you or your spouse gave. Please also provide evidence of any child support or alimony payments.
Your spouse: If you are married and contemplating a joint filing.
Bankruptcy Client Questionniare: Click HERE to go to our Online Questionnaire tab where you can print and complete our Bankruptcy Client Questionnaire prior to your initial meeting with your Attorney.
SUMMARY:
Bringing all of the above to your initial meeting with your Attorney will ensure that your case will proceed as smoothly as possible.
Remember, the general rule is that if a debt is not listed, it will not be discharged. And if you fail to list assets, you may be denied discharge, fined and/or imprisoned. Please exercise due care at all times in this process. | 
