Interested in speeding up the filing process?

You can get started today by completing these bankruptcy forms. Here’s a list of things you need to do in order to get a bankruptcy case filed. You can do some, none, or all of them prior to your free initial consultation. It’s completely up to you. If you happen to get them all done, you can deliver them to us at your consultation, and we can start right away in preparing your petition for review and filing.

Of course, gathering this information doesn’t mean you’ve hired us, or we’ve agreed to represent you. If you’d like to hire us, or would just like a free consultation to review your situation, please contact us to make an appointment.

You do not need to bring any completed forms with you to a free initial consultation. However, when you arrive at the office and before we start the initial consult, we will ask you to fill out a few simple forms to give us some basic financial information and to meet the requirements of the Bankruptcy Code. If you prefer, you can print, fill out, and bring these documents with you to your initial consultation. If your meeting is by phone, please complete the forms and send them to us prior to or at the time of your consultation. We cannot meet with you via phone (or in-person) until we have the completed forms.

Note: We prefer in-person consultations; they just seem to be more productive. However, if you are out of town and/or there is no way to make it into the office, a phone consult is possible.

> INTAKE FORM
> REASONS FOR SEEKING ADVICE
> CONFLICT CHECK FORM

Photo ID
Driver’s license, ID, passport, etc.

Proof of Social Security Number
Social Security card, W-2, 1099, etc.

Bank Account Statements
Last 3 months’ statements for all of your accounts, including Venmo, Paypal, etc.

Retirement Account Statements
Last 3 months.

Pay Stubs
Last 6 months – pay stubs or bank statements.

Other Income
Last 6 months – other income includes Social Security, unemployment, child support, VA benefits, etc.

Tax Returns
The last federal and state income tax returns you filed for the last 2 years. If you don’t have them, you may be able to get them online.
If you don’t have to file returns because of your income, you can file a Tax Affidavit. Ask us for the form. If you’re supposed to file, but haven’t, be prepared to discuss the reasons for this. You don’t have to file tax returns to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Car / Motorcycle / Boat Documents
If you own a vehicle, motorcycle, boat, etc., gather the registration and title. If you’ve purchased a vehicle in the last 90 days, bring your financing documents.

House Value Documents
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) – we have a list of realtors who will provide a CMA for free.
Zillow, Redfin, and county-provided assessments are not always accurate, but it might get you close. You should also get a CMA, if possible.
Recent appraisal – you don’t need one for bankruptcy, but if you have one, it could be useful.

Lawsuit Documents
If you’ve been sued, please bring documents you have received (summons, complaint, judgment, writ of garnishment, etc.)

Foreclosure Documents
Notice of Default, Notice of Trustee’s Sale, etc.

Divorce Documents
If you’re obligated to pay child support or spousal maintenance, please bring your child support order and/or divorce decree.

Taking a pre-bankruptcy counseling class is REQUIRED. When you complete the class, you’ll receive a certificate, which is good for six months. Your case cannot be filed without this certificate.

Typically, a counseling session lasts 45-60 minutes. It can be completed in person, on the phone, or online. The fee is generally around $10-30, but if you can’t afford to pay, ask the organization about a fee waiver.

When you receive the certificate, keep it in a safe place, and email a copy to us at [email protected]. Often, they will provide a copy to our office if you ask them to do so. Either way, we must receive a copy of the certificate and file it with your bankruptcy petition.

You can choose whichever service you like, but we have had success with the following providers:

See all approved classes.

Bankruptcy worksheets give us information about you, your assets, your budget, transactions, etc.

> BANKRUPTCY WORKSHEETS

We need to gather information about your creditors. If you already know who you owe money to, complete a Debt Form for every debt you have.

> DEBT FORMS

We can help! We can get a list of creditors from your credit report, so you don’t have to fill out Debt Forms. The cost is $37 for one person and $57 for a married couple.

Keep in mind, if you owe money to someone who doesn’t report the debt on your credit report, you’ll need to complete a Debt Form for that debt. You can obtain a free copy of your credit report here:

> Free Annual Credit Report
> Credit Karma

If you currently operate a business, we’ll need a Business Budget. If the business is a corporation or LLC, we’ll need a current balance sheet, showing business assets and liabilities.

If you operated a business in the last 6 months, we need to know:

  • Monthly income for each of the last 6 months.
  • Monthly expenses for each of the last 6 months.

Get Started with Bankruptcy Today!

If you’re struggling with overwhelming debt, filing bankruptcy may give you the debt relief you’re looking for.

Our experienced bankruptcy attorney can evaluate your financial situation and discuss both your bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy options with you. You can get in touch with our office and schedule your free initial consultation by calling (360) 882-8990 or by filling out the contact form.

Potential Clients Checklist

Do You Qualify for Bankruptcy?

We can help you find out if you're qualified to file for bankruptcy by filling out the form below.

Disclaimer: The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today!

Our office offers a free initial consultation to new consumer bankruptcy clients.
Schedule an appointment using one of the methods below. We look forward to meeting you!

ONLINE CALENDAR

Schedule your appointment today. 

CHAT SERVICE

Click the chat box on the lower right side of the page.

CALL US

Talk to our attorney at
(360) 882-8990.

EMAIL US

Send an email by clicking here.

CONTACT FORM

Fill out a contact form with dates and times.

Facing Debt or Financial Problems?

You can still regain control of your finances by reaching out to an experienced bankruptcy attorney in Washington. Let us help you resolve your financial issues skillfully, protect your assets with compassion, and utilize every means possible to achieve your desired results. Contact us for a free consultation today.