If you are reading this, it likely means you have just completed your bankruptcy consultation or are considering scheduling one. Let me start by saying this. You are not alone. Every person’s financial story is different, but no matter what brought you here, we are ready to walk this road with you. Step by step, with clarity and support, until you feel confident about your next chapter.
How the Bankruptcy Consultation Works
That first meeting is the foundation of everything we do together. The bankruptcy consultation usually lasts about an hour to an hour and a half. It is just you and me, focused entirely on your situation. We take a close look at your finances, talk about what is stressing you out, and go over your goals. We’ll determine whether bankruptcy is the right option for you and explore what it might entail. Even if you decide not to file, you will walk away with honest advice you can actually use.
One of the first things I will ask is what brought you in. What made you schedule the bankruptcy consultation? That answer tells me a lot about what is most important to you and helps guide how we move forward.
What You will Take Home
After the bankruptcy consultation, we will give you a custom worksheet. This is not a generic handout. It’s your personalized game plan. It breaks down what debts we expect can be discharged, which ones may stick around, and what steps you will need to take next. It also includes helpful notes to prepare you for your next appointment. We want to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
What to Gather for Your Next Appointment
As you get ready for your next visit, there are some key documents we will need to build your case. This includes anything you have received from creditors, like collection letters or overdue notices. We will also need proof of income. If you are traditionally employed, we ask for pay stubs from the last six months. If you are self-employed or do not receive pay stubs, other income documentation works too. What matters is that we can clearly see what you earn before taxes and deductions.
We will also need your last four years of tax returns or return transcripts if you do not have copies. And we will ask for six months of bank account statements to help us understand your monthly cash flow.
Completing the Credit Counseling Course
Before we can file, you’ll also need to complete a one-hour credit counseling course. You can take this online or by phone. We will provide you with all the information you need to get it done easily.
Why We Need Your Social Security Card
We do not go to court in the way you might expect. Your hearing happens right here in our office. But the court does require us to send them a copy of your Social Security card ahead of time, so we will need that from you before your case is filed.
What Happens Once We Have Your Documents
Once everything is gathered, we get to work. We will carefully review all your documents and prepare your case. Then we create a filing strategy that fits your life and sets you up for success. This is where the real foundation for your financial fresh start gets built.
Let Us Take the Next Step Together
If you are ready to move forward or even just want to understand your options better, I would love to help. Visit valerieglong.com or call our office to schedule a bankruptcy consultation. You have more control than you might think, and we are here to walk you through every part of it.
Let us get you started on your fresh start.