What do you need to know about your first meeting with a Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney in Tampa?
1. Bring Information about All of Your Debts
An attorney will want to review all of your financial information. They need to know what you owe and to whom, so they can help you determine what protections bankruptcy offers. In some cases, people who believe they will file for Chapter 13 end up qualifying for Chapter 7. The only way to know if this is an option is to allow an attorney to review all of your information.
2. Bring Information about All of Your Assets
One of the greatest benefits of filing for Chapter 13 is protecting your assets. It’s one of the main reasons people opt for this type of bankruptcy. Bring along any information you have about your home, your car, and other property and assets you’d like to protect when you file for bankruptcy. Your Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney in Tampa will help you determine what you can protect when you file.
3. Consider Your Income and What You’ll Have Available for a Payment Plan
Chapter 13 is “wage earners” bankruptcy because you make payments each month toward your debts. The court will need to approve your re-payment plan before it begins. However, it helps in advance to understand in advance how your disposable income will be handled once you file.
4. List Your Questions
Chances are you have several questions about bankruptcy, even if you’ve made up your mind to file before speaking to a Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney in Tampa. Having a list of questions ready keeps your meeting organized and ensures you walk away feeling confident about your situation. It also saves time and helps everyone understand the various factors affecting your situation.
5. Decide What It Will Take for You to Commit to Bankruptcy
Are you ready to file and the initial consultation is just a technicality? Or are you still considering your options? Understanding where you are in the process helps you decide how to conclude the meeting.
