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BANKRUPTCY INFORMATION & DOCUMENTS NEEDED FROM CLIENT

All potential new clients coming in for a consultation or who have already decided to retain us to file a bankruptcy petition should bring in the following information and (if possible) documents so that we may proceed as quickly and smoothly as possible.

If prospective clients coming in for their first interview are not one hundred percent (100%) sure of the identities of their creditors, including the identities of all/any assignees who may have purchased some of the clients bad debt, we recommend that all potential client(s) order and/or procure free credit report(s) online from one or more of the three (3) national credit reporting agencies. Although we can order summaries of the clients 3 credit reports from our office, (there is no charge for this if we are retained), it is very helpful to both us and prospective clients if the number and the identities of all creditors are known when the clients come in for their initial consultations.

CREDITORS: Names, addresses, account numbers and balances due to all secured and unsecured creditors (this includes leases, taxes, automobile loans and mortgages). Most recent statements or a recent letter from creditors are required pursuant to the bankruptcy code so that the creditor is notified at their proper address.

Although we can order summaries of the clients 3 credit reports on file with the 3 national credit reporting agencies from our office, (there is no charge for this if we are retained), it is very helpful for both us and prospective clients if the number and the identities of all creditors are known when the clients come in for their initial consultations. Therefore, if prospective clients coming in for their initial interviews are not sure of the identities and account numbers of their creditors, including the identities of all/any assignees who may have purchased some of the clients' bad debt, we recommend that all potential client(s) procure their credit report(s) online from one or more of the three (3) national credit reporting agencies. Following are the links to the reporting agencies websites:

Please note that all of the reporting agencies must offer 1 free credit report to consumers every 12 months.

INCOME: Most recent pay stubs - If debtor is married we need pay stubs from both clients. We also, need gross amounts earned during the last two calendar years and for the current calendar year to date. Copies of the client's two (2) most recent tax returns would have this information. Clients must also provide us with copies of their last three federal and state income tax returns either at the time or shortly after their petition is filed.

It would also be helpful for clients to fill out and bring Schedule I, which includes only the clients' current average monthly income, with them to their initial consultation.

PROOF OF LAST SIX (6) MONTHS INCOME: All clients must provide proof of all income (from any source whatsoever) for the six (6) months preceding the month that the client(s)’ petition is filed with the Bankruptcy Court. We need proof of the last six (6) months income for the client and the client’s spouse, prior to our filing the bankruptcy petition, whether or not a joint petition is filed when both spouses are living together.

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS: Names, addresses, account numbers and balances of all financial accounts, including, but not limited to, checking, savings, stock brokerage, retirement accounts, etc., etc. All financial accounts closed during the last twelve months must be listed, including the address, account number and amount on the last statement before the account was closed.

LAWSUITS: Copies of the complaint and/or judgment (if entered), and any other more recent documents filed with the Court such as wage executions, post-judgment motions applying for and/or orders levying on client’s assets, etc., etc.

Copies of client’s social security cards and/or income tax returns (indicating client’s social security number) and I.D. will be needed to be brought to the client’s 341A hearing shortly after the petition is filed.

REAL ESTATE: For clients who own or owned real estate within the last two years, the client should bring in the following documents for each parcel of real estate.

  1. Proof of ownership, including copies of all deeds through which debtor took title to the property;
  2. A copy of the recorded mortgage and current amount owed on the mortgage (i.e. payoff statement from the lender);
  3. The most recent real estate tax bill, tax assessment and, if the property was bought or sold within the last two years, a copy of HUD-1 settlement sheet also known as the RESPA; and
  4. Most recent appraisal performed on the property (if any).

AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENSES: It would be helpful for all potential clients to fill out and bring with them when coming in for their initial consultation the attached Schedule J , which is an itemized list of the debtor(s)' and the debtor(s)' immediate family's average monthly expenses . All actual expenses being paid, as well as the debtor(s)' family's reasonable needs (even if the debtors have been and/or are unable to pay for same) should be included in Schedule J.

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©2005 The Law Offices of Mark G. Alster, P.A.
2 University Plaza • Suite 311 • Hackensack, New Jersey 07601

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