You may have heard that there is a lot of paperwork that is required to file for bankruptcy protection. The court requires all debtors to make complete financial disclosures in their pleadings. This means you must list all of your assets, debts, income and expenses. Your bankruptcy attorney at Faro & Crowder, PA, will assist you with preparing all of the necessary pleadings, but it is essential for you to provide us with all of your financial records. Some of the documents we need to see include tax returns, paycheck stubs, and bank statements.
What do I have to provide to the court when I file Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
When you file a Chapter 7 case, your initial pleadings filed with the court will include:
- the bankruptcy petition
- a list of all your property and assets
- a list of all your debts
- a “creditor matrix,” which is a list of all your creditors
- a list of your current income and expenses
- a statement of your financial affairs
- a certificate from your lawyer indicating that you have been provided (i) a notice describing the different types of bankruptcy, (ii) notification of the services offered by the credit counseling agencies, and (ii) a statement indicating that anyone who knowingly or fraudulently conceals property or makes a false statement under oath is subject to fine, imprisonment, or both.
All of the above pleadings are together called your “Schedules and Statement of Financial Affairs.” It is important that you closely review your pleadings once they are completed to verify that they are true and correct. Remember, your bankruptcy paperwork is filed with the court under the penalty of perjury.
Contact Faro & Crowder, PA for a free initial bankruptcy consultation
If you are considering filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, let us help. We can assist you with preparing your pleadings and walk you through your case step by step. Contact the skilled attorneys at Faro & Crowder to schedule a free consultation. Our offices are located in Melbourne and Cocoa, FL. We serve all residents and businesses along the Space Coast and Brevard County.