Once you make the decision to make an appointment and meet with a bankruptcy attorney, it is important to know what to expect from your consultation and how you can prepare to make it as productive and informative as possible.
How Much Will The Consultation Cost?
Most bankruptcy attorneys will provide a free consultation. Here at my office all bankruptcy consultations are free.
How Long is the Initial Consultation?
I tell people to plan on an hour. Some are less, some a little more. I treat the initial consultation as a time for you to get to know me, me to know you, for me to get a general understanding of your debt/asset/income situation, and to explain to you what the bankruptcy process can do for you, what the consequences are, and what you can expect at each stage of your case. If you need to bring your kids that is fine with me. I have six kids of my own and believe me, I am an expert at carrying on a conversation with kids screaming in the background!
What Should I Bring With Me?
What I don’t need is for your to bring a box with every unopened bill you received in the last six months 
. I usually like to see the last two tax returns and at least two months worth of pay stubs from your job. If you decide to proceed with the bankruptcy filing you will need to provide me with six months worth of pay stubs and if you don’t get pay stubs I am going to need to know what your average income was over the last six months.
Income is a huge part of the initial consultation because it helps me determine what chapter of bankruptcy you will qualify for. Having the appropriate documents or at least a very accurate idea of what your total average monthly income was for the last six months will help me to determine if you can file a chapter 7 bankruptcy or not.
When Will I Be Required to Pay if I Decide to Proceed With The Bankruptcy?
If you decide you would like to proceed with the bankruptcy filing you can pay the fee (or leave a deposit) at the end of the consultation. If you would prefer to think about it (and most people do) you can return later with a deposit or the full fee at a later date. My approach is very low pressure. I know that the last thing you need in your life right now is more pressure. Financial problems create a ton of stress and I want to be here to help relieve some of that stress, not add to it.
I offer a free bankrutpcy consultation where we can discuss your specific situation. I can be reached at (480) 648-8975.