A successful Chapter 13 requires hard work from both the lawyer and his client. Clients should prepare themselves by reading as much information as possible before their first meeting with a lawyer. There are applications and forms to fill out and sign. Client must collect any and all financial documentation. You will need:
3 years tax return;
6 month checking account (current account, savings account, money market account, etc.);
6 months of payment advice (how you get paid – usually on a payslip, but you may have direct deposit or are self-employed, so you’ll need to show how much you earn as well as how you get paid);
All your bills;
A copy of any lawsuits against you;
Any financial instrument including notes, mortgages, title rights;
Tax statements, recent assessments and mortgage statements on your home;
Account statements of all deposit, investment and retirement accounts, including stocks, bonds etc.;
List of assets sold or transferred in the last year;
Any lease or installment agreement;
Any papers you have regarding your debts;
Any lawsuits against you – divorce, judgment, foreclosure, decoration, etc;
Any insurance policy.
When you meet with a lawyer, bring your driver’s license and social security card with you. This copy will be saved in your file. If you don’t meet your attorney in person- DO NOT SUBMIT these documents! Your entire financial identity is there. Use a tracking method, FedEx, UPS or certified mail is better. Be sure to tell the attorney about anything that may be important to you financially. Not all creditors will appear on your credit report, so it’s important to tell your attorney about potential lenders. Medical providers usually don’t report outstanding invoices on your statement. If you are involved in an accident or have other legal issues that could affect you financially, be sure to discuss it with your attorney and include it in your application!
If you need to apply quickly, make sure you’ve taken a pre-filing course and have your certificate ready. You might be able to get the app first and get it done too.
Prepare a list of questions for your attorney. Your meeting will be more fruitful and you will leave with a better understanding of your particular problem. The success of your case depends largely on your ability to comply with the terms of chapter 13 and the terms of your specific plan. Thorough, complete and accurate preparation of forms, applications and documents relating to your personal circumstances is essential to that success.