Before you enter into the bankruptcy process, we can’t stress enough the importance of having all of your financial statements and documents collected and organized. When you have all of your financial documents together, you ensure that your case will move along as smoothly as possible.
Of course, a bankruptcy attorney will be completely competent in helping you collect and organize these documents. However, doing this part of the job before you meet with your bankruptcy attorney will save you time and money.
What You Need to Have
This is a shortlist of the documents you need to have on hand before you embark on the bankruptcy process. Depending on your financial situation and the type of bankruptcy you’re filing for, you’ll probably need more documents than the ones listed below. However, this should be enough to get you started!
- Tax Records: If you haven’t paid your taxes in a while, start collecting any and all invoices, receipts, and information that you might need to file back taxes.
- Bank Statements: You’ll need to be able to show records for any and all accounts (checking, savings, investments, etc.). If you don’t have hard copies, you should be able to print them online. Or, your bank can print copies for you.
- Retirement Accounts: If you have a 401(k), Roth IRA, or other type of retirement account, collect these statements before you begin the bankruptcy process.
- Mortgage Documents: You should have the sale papers, and any and all information related to your mortgage. Also, get property tax papers together.
- Auto Documents: If you have a clear title for your car, bring it to the table.
- Loans: You’ll definitely want to have papers on all of your loans.
- If it’s about your finances, bring it!
As you can see, your Tampa bankruptcy attorney is going to need full transparency in order to help you. Getting your papers together now can expedite the process!