A successful Chapter 13 requires hard work from both the attorney and their client. Clients should prepare by reading as much information as possible before their first meeting with the attorney. There is an application and forms to be filled out and signed. Clients must gather all financial documentation. Will need:
3 year tax returns;
6 month bank statements (checking, savings, money market, etc.);
6 months of pay notices (how you get paid, usually by pay stub, but you can have direct deposit or self-employment, so you must show how much you earn and how you get paid);
All your bills;
Copies of any lawsuits against you;
Any financial instrument, including promissory notes, mortgages, property titles;
Tax returns, recent appraisals, and mortgage statements on your home(s);
Account statements for all deposit, investment, and retirement accounts, including stocks, bonds, etc.;
A list of assets sold or transferred in the last year;
Any lease or installment agreement;
Any documents you have about your debts;
Any lawsuit against you: divorce, lawsuits, foreclosures, liens, etc.
Any insurance policy.
When you meet with the attorney, bring your driver’s license and social security card with you. A copy of these will be kept in your file. If you are not going to meet with your attorney in person, DO NOT MAIL these documents! Your entire financial identity is there. Use a tracking method, FedEx, UPS or certified mail is better. Be sure to notify the attorney of anything that may be financially important to you. Not all creditors will appear on your credit reports, so it’s important to let your attorney know about any potential creditors. Medical providers generally do not report outstanding bills on their report. If you were involved in an accident or have other legal issues that may affect you financially, be sure to mention them in your conversation with your attorney and include them on your application!
If you need to file quickly, make sure you’ve taken the pre-filing course and have your certificate ready. You may be able to get the application in advance and fill it out as well.
Have a list of questions ready for your attorney. Your meeting will be more fruitful and you will leave with a greater understanding of your particular problems. The success of your case depends largely on your ability to comply with the provisions of the chapter 13 requirements and the terms of your specific plan. Thorough, complete, and accurate preparation of the forms, application, and documents related to your individual circumstances is essential to that success.
