You should be proud and confident in the decision you have made to file for bankruptcy. Whether you have chosen Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you have given yourself the best possible chance at getting your finances back on track. Both options include a fair amount of forms that need to be filled out and documentation that needs to be presented. These forms are essential to your bankruptcy filing and provide your trustee and creditors with important information in regard to your income, assets, financial transactions and debts. Contact the experienced New Jersey bankruptcy attorney at the Law Office of Joel Spivack today for a free consultation for your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 claim.
What You Will Need to File for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Cherry Hill, NJ
Before you tackle your packet of forms for the bankruptcy court, you should take the time to gather some basic financial information. These will help you accurately complete your forms. You will need:
- Personal Info – Personal information includes your name, address and the last four digits of your social security number. In addition, you will need to disclose the name and address of your employers, personal information about your spouse, your children’s ages and any names you have used in the past eight years.
- Income – You will need to be able to prove your income. This means providing the court with a statement from your employer or a pay stub, as well as your most recent tax return. These need to be submitted 60 days prior to you filing to the court. Gather any and all information about your earnings for the past two years as you will need them for your bankruptcy forms.
- Assets – This is when you list every piece of property you own and its value. Common items include real estate and cars but other items should be listed too, including furniture, household goods, books, jewelry, etc. Each item is valued at how much it would cost to buy the same item in similar condition and age. Assets also include bank accounts, retirement accounts (401k’s) and cash on hand.
- Expenses – Take the time to figure out your monthly expenses. Include rent, mortgage, utilities, car payments, insurance, groceries, and other household expenses. You should also factor in property taxes or school expenses, even if you do not pay those monthly.
- Financial Transactions – These transactions are ones within the past couple of years. They include property or money you have given away or sold, bank accounts you have closed, debts you have paid off, etc.
- Debts – This will be a list of all of your debts, regardless of your intention to repay them. Included with each debt you owe will need to be how much you owe, an account number and contact information for the associated creditor.
It is paramount that the aforementioned forms are filled out completely and accurately. If you make a mistake, you will have to file for an amendment, which could mean more money out of your pocket and more time added on to the process. Mistakes can even lead to your trustee or creditors believing the rest of your information is also inaccurate. Worse, if they feel you intentionally lied about important financial matters like your income or financial statements, your case could be disqualified altogether. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can ensure that you have everything you need and that it is correctly filled out and free of errors or inaccuracies. Contact the experienced Camden bankruptcy lawyers at the Law Office of Joel Spivack today for a free evaluation.
Contact a Cherry Hill Bankruptcy Attorney for a Consultation About Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in New Jersey Today
If you are struggling with debt, you may need a fresh start financially. An experienced bankruptcy and debt relief attorney can help you explore your options and determine the best course of action for you, your family, and/or your business. The experienced New Jersey bankruptcy lawyers at the Law Office of Joel R. Spivack understand the nuances of New Jersey and federal bankruptcy laws, so we can help you protect your interests. Call us anytime at (856) 488-1200 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation. We have an office conveniently located at 1415 Marlton Pike East, Suite 302 , Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.