1) List of debts.  You should make a simple list of every debt you owe, including mortgage and car payoff balances, loans, credit cards, overdrafts, bounced checks, loans from friends or family, medical bills or any other debt you might owe.  The name of the creditor and the amount owed are what I need to me analyze your situation quickly.  I do not want to use up your consultation time going through bills when I can look at a list in under a minute.   

2) Bills.  As you go through your bills to put the list together for your consultation, you should gather your bills together since I will need them if I prepare a case for you.  (If you can't bring them this time, you can provide them later). Put the bills into an envelope, bag or box and bring them with you since we will need those if you go forward with filing a bankruptcy case. 

I need any recent bills/letters sent to you in the last 3 months. I need at least one "regular" bill (what you got while you were making your payments) from each (original) creditor, even if it is old.  I also want any letters or bills that the creditor may have sent asking for payment (they have different addresses), and any collection letters on each account. (You don't need to bring duplicates if the information looks the same, except for the amount owed). 

3) Income records. If you get a paystub from a job, you should bring your most recent paystub, or your most typical/average paystub if your pay varies.  Under the new law, we will need some documentation of all your income for the last six months so if you have them, bring it.  If you work for yourself, don't get a paystub, or don't have the information, please bring whatever records you have that will show what you have made over the last six months and I will do the best I can to give you an idea of your options.

4) Legal documents. If you were sued, have a foreclosure against you, were divorced with a separation agreement, or have any other legal documents that you think might be important, you should bring them with you.

5)  Car values. NADA printout for ALL vehicles you own or are titled in your name, whether they are paid for or you are making payments.  Please print the page from www.NADA.com and bring it with you.

6)  House/land value. If you own a house or other land, it is helpful to have a good idea of the value that you could sell it for.  You should probably know this anyway. If there is time before you come in, please try to do a little research.    Appraisals for refinancing are often higher than true market value so you should not rely on those, but if you have had any recent appraisals, let us know. Look in your neighborhood to see what similar houses/land are listed and selling for.  Speak to realtors that are selling in your area.  You can look online for comparative sales to get a general idea. You can get this information at http://meckcama.co.mecklenburg.nc.us/relookup/