What Kind of Supporting Documentation Do I Need to Provide in Order to File Bankruptcy? by Jeffrey D. Larkin

What Kind of Supporting Documentation Do I Need to Provide in Order to File Bankruptcy?
by: Jeffrey D. Larkin

When you file a bankruptcy petition, there are certain documents you need to provide so that the Trustee can do his or her due diligence. This involves comparing the information in the bankruptcy with the supporting documents to ensure the information in the petition is correct and complete. If the Trustee’s review of the information reveals any red flags, the debtor will be examined on these issues at the 341 Meeting of Creditors.

Depending on what you own, the following is a non-exhaustive list of routine documents that need to be provided to prepare a case for filing:

Certificate of Credit Counseling (get from http://www.personalfinanceeducation.com)
CCP 703.140 Waiver (if married and one spouse is not filing)
Real Estate Valuation (comps or appraisal)
Real Estate Payoff (recent mortgage statement showing balance owed on all mortgages/equity lines)
Copies of Recorded Deeds of Trust on Real Estate
Copies of Recorded Grant Deeds (if jointly owned property)
Policy Declaration of Coverage on Real Estate
Loan Advance Documentation (evidence of disbursement if recent refinance or equity loan)
Bank Statements for the 6 Months Prior to Filing and Account Balances on the Date the Petition is Filed.
Retirement/401k/Pension Statements (most recent)
Valuation of Motor Vehicles (http://www.KBB.com trade in value)
Payoff on Financed Vehicles (10 day payoff or recent statement showing balance owed)
Vehicle Registration

Proof of Insurance on Vehicles (declarations page showing coverage limits)
Copy of Vehicle Purchase Contract for Vehicles Purchased within 120 Days Prior to Filing
Income Verification (6 months pay advices, profit and loss statements or other evidence of income)
Last 2 Years of Tax Returns
Divorce Decree/Marital Settlement Agreement/Domestic Support Order Information
Proof of Insurance on Business (self-employed; liability, workers comp. etc.)

For more information regarding documentation, or for other bankruptcy law questions, contact The Larkin Law Firm at http://www.live-debt-free-now.com

About The Author

Jeffrey D. Larkin is one of the most productive debt-relief attorneys in the region. His innovative law firm is committed to providing intelligent debt solutions custom fitted to his clients' individual needs. Whether you need to file bankruptcy, re-organize your debt or re-build your financial structure, Mr. Larkin provides a full range of legal services designed to restore financial order to your life.

Mr. Larkin is a California licensed attorney offering services throughout San Diego, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. A 1998 graduate of California State University, San Bernardino, Mr. Larkin earned his Juris Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2002. Since that time, Mr. Larkin has focused exclusively on bankruptcy and insolvency related matters, and has authored dozens of articles regarding bankruptcy and other debt solutions.

From 2002 through 2009, Mr. Larkin served as an associate attorney for the two largest bankruptcy filing firms in San Diego County. During that time, Mr. Larkin handled thousands of cases, and gained invaluable experience serving a broad and diversified client base. In 2008, Mr. Larkin was one of the top five bankruptcy filers in all of San Diego County, according to the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of California.

You can reach Mr. Larkin by e-mail at Jeff@larkinfirm.com or by phone at (760) 692-2269. For more information about The Larkin Law Firm, go to http://live-debt-free-now.com

Visit the author's web site at:
http://live-debt-free-now.com