{"id":32514,"date":"2016-03-31T19:23:15","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T00:23:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-legal\/uncategorized\/how-to-prepare-for-your-initial-consultation-with-a-bankruptcy.html"},"modified":"2016-08-05T10:11:23","modified_gmt":"2016-08-05T15:11:23","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-your-initial-consultation-with-a-bankruptcy","status":"publish","type":"corporate","link":"https:\/\/corporate.findlaw.com\/finance\/how-to-prepare-for-your-initial-consultation-with-a-bankruptcy.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare for Your Initial Consultation With a Bankruptcy Attorney"},"content":{"rendered":"
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How should you prepare for your first consultation with a Bankruptcy attorney? An attorney’s advice can be complete and accurate only when the information you provide is complete and accurate. The following list is the minimum you will need for your initial consultation:<\/p>\n

Asset Information:<\/b><\/p>\n

Real Estate equity analysis.<\/b> For each property you own, you need to have determined today’s fair market value and the pay-off amount for any mortgage or lien<\/a>. You will need to have:<\/p>\n

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  1. A tax bill that shows the assessed value;<\/li>\n
  2. Appraisal or market analysis prepared by a real estate broker;<\/li>\n
  3. Mortgage statement which indicates your principal balance;<\/li>\n
  4. Information with reference to equity loans or liens on the real estate;<\/li>\n
  5. Your Deed; and if applicable;<\/li>\n
  6. Homestead.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Personal Property:<\/b> You will need to determine the fair market value of all personal property you own. In many instances, the market for your asset is the "yard sale". In other instances, you will have a statement from an independent third party to determine the value.<\/p>\n

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    1. Recent bank statement for all bank accounts;<\/li>\n
    2. IRA, pension or Profit Sharing Plan<\/a> statement from employer or Plan administrator and literature describing the Plan;<\/li>\n
    3. Bluebook wholesale and retail value for vehicles;<\/li>\n
    4. Appraisal for jewelry and other valuables;<\/li>\n
    5. List of items in your home that you could sell;<\/li>\n
    6. Life insurance policy cash surrender value.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Liability Information:<\/b><\/p>\n

      Your creditors are classified as:<\/p>\n

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      1. Secured;<\/li>\n
      2. Priority; and<\/li>\n
      3. Unsecured.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Your information must be complete and accurate (name, address, account number, amount owed):<\/p>\n

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        1. Secured Creditors:<\/b><\/li>\n