What Documents Do You Need to File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
In Florida, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a complex process and diligence is required. One of the most critical parts of the process is gathering and submitting the necessary documents. There are approximately 50 documents you need to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and sometimes even more. Our Florida bankruptcy attorney explains the most important documentation you will need so you are fully prepared before you even file.
Documents Needed in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
A bankruptcy attorney can advise on the exact documents necessary to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Some of the most common of these include:
- Information for all financial accounts: It is important to submit documentation for any bank accounts, investment accounts, and any other financial accounts currently in your name.
- Proof of income: Whether you are eligible to file Chapter 7 largely depends on your income. You are required to state your income and prove your salary or wages. Pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns can all help prove your income.
- Inventory List of your debts: Chapter 7 bankruptcy is largely meant to help you discharge certain debts. As such, it is essential that you provide an list inventory of all the debts you want to discharge during the process. These can include credit card statements, medical bills, and other documentation pertaining to your debt.
- Monthly expenses: Although debt can result in you experiencing financial hardship, so too, can your monthly bills. During Chapter 7, you will have to prove your cost of living, which can be done using utility bills, grocery receipts, and other monthly expenses.
- Property documents: If you own valuable personal property or real estate, you must provide documentation that proves the value of the property and any amounts you still owe on it. Titles, deeds, and appraisals when necessary can all help you do this.
Making Sure Paperwork is Complete and Accurate
It is essential that you make sure all of your paperwork is complete and accurate when filing Chapter 7. If you provide information that is false or misleading, fail to submit certain documents, or fail to disclose all of your assets, it can significantly harm your case.
In the best-case scenario, incorrect or incomplete information can result in unnecessary delays, meaning you will have to wait longer to get the financial relief you need. In the worst-case scenario, a judge may think you are attempting to commit bankruptcy fraud, they may dismiss your case and you could also incur additional penalties. For this reason, it is important to work with a lawyer who can ensure you submit all necessary documents and that no mistakes are made.
Call Our Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney in Florida Today
At Florida Law Advisers, P.A., our Florida Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney has the required experience to ensure mistakes are not made and the process is as easy as possible for you. Call us today at 1 (800) 990-7763 or chat with us online to request a consultation with one of our experienced lawyers and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/11/chapter-7
