Bankruptcy Checklist

Filing Bankruptcy

• Determine if you really need to file a bankruptcy.
• Calculate your income.
• Calculate your allowed expenses.
• Qualify yourself through the means test.
• Select a good bankruptcy attorney.
• Select debt counseling programs
• Don't get yourself into this situation again.

Bankruptcy Alternatives

• Determine if can you reduce your expenses while you pay the debt off.
• Negotiate with your creditors and try and settle your debts yourself for less than you owe.
• Go to Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) for a plan for paying off your debts.

Necessary Documents

• A list of routine monthly living expenses.
• A list of assets and their value.
• A list of your debts.
• A list of gross income and any payroll deductions.
• Listing of all debts, assets, income and expenses related to the business.
• Copies of your state and federal tax returns.
• Copies of your recent payroll check stubs.
• Copy of the Deed or Contract to the real estate and the mortgage papers
• Your Social Security Number and if the business entity, the Federal ID.# and incorporation date.
• All life insurance policies.
• Copies of any leases, contracts.
• Recent profit and loss statements and balance sheets for the business.