If you live in Northern Ohio and have bill problems and want to do something about them I may be able to help you. You will need to make an appointment to meet with me.

I normally do not discuss money until we have had a chance to meet to go over your problem. I will make an exception for this if it is an “emergency bankruptcy filing’” or a chapter 13.

At your option this meeting can be done over the telephone, at my office in Elyria, or even at another more convenient location such as a coffee shop.

FIRST STEP: GATHER YOUR PAPERS

Since the bankruptcy law change October 17, 2005, filing for bankruptcy has become very paper intense.  Hate paperwork?  Congress knew that.  So did the credit card lobbyists.  If they could make this a big enough pain, you just might not file for bankruptcy.

None of this is impossible or even difficult.  Remember, it’s them against you.  Are you going to let them win…..over paper?

The best thing to do before starting is to sit down, take a deep breath, and relax. You want to approach this process with an open mind and a clear head.  Gather the items BEFORE you call me for an appointment:

1.    All Bills and Statements current or not; Most recent Mortgage Statements. Including:

a. Collection letters.  You should include the letter, envelope and any other enclosures that came with the letter.

b. Credit cards

c. Personal Loans

d. Medical bills

e. Utility and Telephone Bills

f. Lawyer bills

2.     Six months of pay stubs.  Both Husband and wife even if one is filing.

a. If you do not have pay stubs (the law calls them pay advices) for the entire 6 months see if you can get a printout from your employer.  The printout should include gross pay as well as deductions.

b. If you are self employed you will need to provide income and expense statements broken down monthly.  If you are using an accounting program such as Quicken or Quick-books these reports are very easy to make.

3.     Last two years of Federal and State Tax Returns.

a. 2008 and 2009 returns. Include W-2’s.

4.     Current Statements from all bank, credit union, and investment accounts.

5.     Titles to all vehicles owned by whoever intends to file.

a. If the vehicle currently has a car loan or is in any way security for a loan then you will have a white memorandum title. Bring that.

6.     Deeds for real estate owned, or in which you have any ownership interest

a. Include all real estate owned by your spouse even though your name is not on it.

7.     IRS Communications

8.     Divorce Decree, Separation/Support Agreements.

9.     Copies of all Life Insurance policies, declaration page if possible.

a. The declarations page is the coversheet that sets forth the types of coverages you have. Each year they may send you a new one.

10.    Court papers for lawsuits, including foreclosures

11.     Copy of proof of car insurance for all vehicles.

12.     Retirement Plan Summaries. Include:

a. Pension

b. IRA

c. Profit Sharing

d. 401k

e. 403b

f. Sep IRA

g. PERS

h. OH Deferred Comp

13. Don’t bother getting me a credit report. The ones you get for free are worthless for preparing a bankruptcy.  I have the resources to get a report that is designed for this purpose, and contains accurate account numbers and addresses for each bill listed.

NEXT STEP: MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT

Making an appointment with me is really easy. Once you are ready and you have all the documents together call me at 440-365-2000. During office hours Lori will answer the phone. You just need to pick a date, time and place that works best. If you do not reach Lori, or the office is closed your call goes directly to my cell phone.

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