We will need the following information from you to effectively represent you in your bankruptcy: Copies of Client’s Tax Returns (personal and business) with all the attachments for the last three years. File you tax returns, get your refund before filing for bankruptcy, deposit the refund in your bank account, and use it for daily expenses (mortgage, property taxes, household expenses). Do not pay any debts owed to family, friends, or relatives. One copy of each of the Client’s credit card statements, cars, mortgages, collection letters, medical bills, letters from lawyers, lawsuits and documentation on other debts, including collection agencies. If you have used your credit cards recently, and if your credit card debts are more than $30,000, you should collect at least the last 12 credit card statements. The Trustee may ask for them because he/she wants to know what you have purchased recently for the $30,000 in credit card debt. Copies of all Client’s bank statements (personal and business) for the last twelve months up to and including the date of filing. Copies of titles to all motor vehicles, boats, airplanes owned by Client, proof of insurance, and pay off amounts. Copies of deeds, mortgages, tax bills and pay off amounts for all real estate owned by client. Copies of payoff letters on non-homestead real estate and vehicle loans. Copies of all life insurance policies or retirement plans owned by Client. Copies of the latest statement for IRA’s, 401K, Annuity, etc. Copies of paycheck stubs or proof of income from all sources from your employer(s) for both husband and wife, even if only one is filing bankruptcy, for 6 months. Copies of any leases for the apartment, car, etc. Copies of payment coupons for outstanding mortgages and car loans or leases. Copies of any lawsuits you are involved in as plaintiff or defendant. Copies of any correspondence from the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority. Copy of your Green Card or other proof that you are legal in the U.S.A., if you are not a U.S. Citizen (The Chapter 13 Trustee reports all undocumented aliens to the U.S. Immigration). Settlement statement (closing statement) for any property (real estate, jewelry, cars, etc.) you have sold in the past 24 months. Marital settlement statement if you have been divorced in the past five years. If there is any money or property owed to you by your ex-spouse, which is not in the nature of support or alimony, the Trustee will take this property from you, if you file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Detailed list of all your household furnishings and jewelry. (Keep in mind that If your house is worth $200,000, it is assumed that you may have furnishings, etc. in your house that matches your life style and the value of your house, and that the Chapter 7 or 13 Trustee may demand a inspection of your house. Chapter 7 and 13 Trustees are intelligent people. Do not try to pull a fast one on these people). Take pictures of all your furnishings and household goods, and be prepared to explain to the Chapter 7 Trustee as to how you arrived at the value of the furniture. Furniture, usually depreciates at the rate of 20% per year, unless you have antiques or collectibles, in which case, they usually increase in value over time. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the above information. Just bring whatever you can with you on the day of the appointment for the attorney to review and advise you.