- 1). Stop charging anything to your credit cards if you plan on filing bankruptcy. Credit cards should not show charges in the three to six months preceding bankruptcy filing.
- 2). Consult a local bankruptcy attorney. Most will offer a free consultation. You can consult with more than one attorney.
- 3). Prepare a list of all income and all expenses. Include all living expenses, to include co-pays, doctor visits, pet care, food, clothing and gas. Gather all bills both current and outstanding.
- 4). Meet with the attorney at your scheduled time. She will evaluate your income versus your debt and advise you if you qualify for Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcies. She will discuss the pros and cons of bankruptcy and answer any questions you may have.
- 5). Fill out the bankruptcy paperwork if you choose to proceed. Your attorney will take care filling out and filing the legal paperwork. You will need to review the legal paperwork and sign. Pay the attorney the required fees.
- 6). Refer all of your creditors to your attorney. Once you have retained your attorney and the bankruptcy proceedings are moving forward, your creditors are not allowed to contact you.
- 7). Attend a pre-bankruptcy class if required. The class will educate you in the bankruptcy process.
- 8). Show up to all court appearances scheduled by your attorney. The entire bankruptcy process should take between two to three months. Carefully review your bankruptcy discharge paperwork to ensure all accounts have been included and are discharged.
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