Your Bankruptcy Consultation: What To Expect And How To Prepare

Preparing for a Bankruptcy Consultation

If you’re considering bankruptcy then you’ve probably called a bankruptcy attorney to schedule an initial bankruptcy consultation.  If you haven’t done so, then we recommend that you call now.  Many debtors feel very nervous about their consultation or they have no idea what to expect.

Below are a few tips on what to expect at your bankruptcy consultation and how to prepare:

  1. Before you arrive at the bankruptcy attorney’s office gather all of your financial information and formulate a list of questions that you want to ask.  You should be able to tell the bankruptcy attorney about your most pressing issues.  Are you facing foreclosure ?  Experiencing wage garnishments ? Did a creditor just win a judgment against you?  This type of information is critical because it will help the bankruptcy attorney determine which next steps are necessary for your bankruptcy case.
  2. When you first arrive at the bankruptcy attorney’s office you will probably need to fill out an “intake form” which will help the attorney better understand your situation.  Make sure you carefully and honestly fill out this form so that the bankruptcy attorney can give you useful advice.
  3. When the bankruptcy attorney finally sits with you, keep in mind that he/she has a limited amount of time because of other cases.  Keep your explanations brief and clear. Avoid going into emotional detail about how you were robbed/cheated/lied to by a creditor/spouse/business partner etc.  Allow the bankruptcy attorney to do most of the talking in the beginning of the meeting because they may answer most of your questions before you can even ask them.
  4. After the bankruptcy attorney has gathered the necessary information about your situation, he/she will be able to give you their suggestion on what you should do next. The bankruptcy attorney should also be able to give you an estimate of what it will cost and how long it may take to complete your bankruptcy case.  And if you were particularly thorough in explaining your situation, the bankruptcy attorney may also be able to warn you about some of the challenges you may face during your bankruptcy case.