Many times clients ask what their chances are that their case will be successful. The best chance for success is being completely honest with your attorney and do everything you are told to do when you are told to do it. It really is that simple or is it?
Clients want smooth sailing and so do attorneys. Attorneys expect to work and they work hard but in order to do their work they must rely the cooperation of their clients. Clients must provide documents that are requested. That usually means giving your attorney a stack of paper. Attorneys do not have an fascination with paper. We HATE it! But, paper is a necessity in the law and the documents requested are to help and protect our clients.
The bankruptcy process is paperwork intensive. My office provides clients with a specific list of documents that are needed. We provide the list at the time we are retained and it is discussed at the initial appointment. We are thorough and know what we need in each case so that our client will sail smoothly through the process once the case is filed. The goal is the discharge.
Help us help you! If we did not do our job as thoroughly as we do it would case delay and additional expenses after filing your not to mention it could actually put your bankruptcy discharge in jeopardy. The Court expects that we will have supporting documents before we ever file a case and quite frankly our reputations depends on it.
Both clients and their attorneys want smooth sailing.
We try to make the process as smooth as possible but clients MUST provide the documents requested. It is unhelpful and a waste of time for a client to come to an appointment without the information requested. If a client has a question they should call and ask. If they cannot locate a particular document they should call and explain the problem as we might have suggestions or alternatives that may be substituted. We are here to help and want you to be successful! Help us make the process as smooth as possible for you as we know it is a stressful time.
If you are considering filing bankruptcy you can begin gathering 4 years of federal tax returns, proof of income for six months from all sources (or as many as you can locate as your attorney may be able to assist with suggestions if you are missing a few pay stubs). The List of Required Documents which I provide to my clients is attached here. Additional information may be added as needed based on individual cases. Please note some requirement may not be applicable to every client.