What to Bring to Your Initial Bankruptcy Consultation

Your initial consultation will always be with me, Michael G. Clagett.

The following is the list of information that you need to bring with you to your initial bankruptcy consultation:

1. The last SEVEN months of pay stubs, including your most current stub. Bring each pay stub with you even if you revenue the same amount of money each pay period. You may bring a summary from your employer if the summary sets forth each pay period, and it includes the gross amount paid to you, and lists separately each deduction from the gross, whether the deduction is before or after taxes.
2. If you own a business as a sole proprietor or you own an interest in a corporation or LLC, and you are not paid a salary, but, instead, are paid by withdrawals, then provide the following:
   • How much income did the business receive in each of the last six months, plus this month (list each month separately), and
   • How much did the business pay out in business expense in each of the last six months, plus this month (list each month separately).
3. If you receive rents or royalties, list how much rent or royalties you received in each of the last six months, plus this month (list each month separately). If you paid any expenses related to the rental units or royalties in any of the last six months, plus this month (list each month separately).
4. The last two years of tax returns including W-2's and information showing your year-to-date gross income;
5. All bills. For example: credit card statements, mortgage statement, medical bills, and so on;
6. A list of monthly expenses. For example: utilities, groceries, gas for vehicle, medication, pet food, tobacco, and anything else that is an added expense; and
7. If you have read about the Bankruptcy Means Test and you believe that your income is above median income, then you also should know for each secured debt: the principal balance; the monthly payment; if less than 60 payments remain, the number of remaining payments; and the interest rate.