Filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Chicago Can Go Smoothly With Proper Preparation

23-Mar-2011 Although your Chicago bankruptcy lawyer will be doing a lot of work to help with your chapter 13 bankruptcy filing there are some things they cannot do for you. When you are preparing to file bankruptcy there is a significant about of paperwork and background history that you need to prepare in order for your Chicago bankruptcy lawyer. This information is necessary for them to be able to do their job.

You need to share your personal information with your attorney, license, social security number, residential address for the last few years as well as pay stubs for at least the past 6 months.

Additionally you will need to show you bank statements for the past 6 months. Part of filing for chapter 13 bankruptcy is proving that you are capable of making abbreviated payments towards your debt for the next few years. Income and bank statements will be important when determining if this is realistic.

You will need to provide your Chicago bankruptcy lawyer with the names of all the creditors that you are in debt with and the amounts that you owe to them. Some of this information can be pulled from your credit report but not all creditors will show up there so it's important to list anyone who you may be in debt to. Medical bills sometimes do not show up on credit reports but they need to be accounted for.

Your attorney will need all information pertaining to any current lawsuits filed against you.

All monetary gifts that you have received over the amount of $100 are important to note to your attorney as well as any assets that you have sold in the past year or so. This would include any property sales or transfers.

They will also want to know about any insurance policies you have as well as retirement accounts and other investments.

The more organized you can be the more efficient your Chicago chapter 13 bankruptcy case will be. Your attorney's job will be easier (and maybe faster) if they don't have to chase you around for the necessary information. Filing for chapter 13 bankruptcy is a very serious matter and acknowledging this by being prepared and organized will show your respect of the system.


Chang and Carlin
The content found on the Chang & Carlin site is not legal advice and is purely for informational purposes. The information contained herein is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney and does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you are interested in obtaining information about chapter 7 bankruptcy, chapter 13 bankruptcy, foreclosure services, real estate legal services, you are encouraged to call our law firm at 866-790-8601 or Request a Free Legal Evaluation. Chang and Carlin serves clients in Chicago, Schaumburg, Joliet, Warrenville, Waukegan, Illinois.