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As with any meeting with an attorney or lawyer, you should be as prepared as possible before you arrive to the office. Legal cases are more often than not complicated and you shouldn't just mosey into an appointment without any clear idea of what you need to communicate or what you expect out of the consultation. Lawyers and attorneys are typically paid by the hour, so it is important to be well prepared so you don't waste a lot of time. Here are a few things you should expect or be prepared for when you are having your initial consultation with your Chesapeake bankruptcy attorney. It Might Run Long Consultations typically run for about an hour, but just like you would for a doctor's appointment, expect it to go longer than you think in case something comes up. You might think your case is cut and dry, but it could be more complicated than it appears. Your attorney will want to have ample time to make sure you get all the necessary documents filled out in the office and you understand the things that he or she needs to explain to you that is particular to your individual case. If you are in a hurry, make sure you let the receptionist know well in advance, or reschedule as soon as possible. Have Documentation The most important thing that you need to remember is that you need documentation for your attorney to give you an accurate consultation. You aren't there to just shoot the breeze, so make sure you come prepared with all the proof of income, bills, or divorces or law suits that you may have been involved in. It can be a huge pain to gather all of this information, especially if you aren't the one in the household who regularly deals with the finances, but all these documents are necessary to even begin talking about if bankruptcy is the best option for you. One thing that people tend to forget about is that they should bring in documentation of their assets. If you have property, vehicles, stocks, or bonds, you need to bring in all of that kind of documentation to include. Your attorney will be able to tell you which items will be protected from collectors and what items will not be under bankruptcy law. Bring Your Partner If you are filing for bankruptcy it is very important that your spouse comes with you to your appointment. It isn't absolutely necessary in some cases, but in most, they need to be present even if they are not filing for bankruptcy. Their assets and income may play a large role in the outcome of your case, and even if you do not pool your money, they may be at risk or safe from your bankruptcy. Either way, your lawyer should have all the available information in front of him or her and your spouse should be present to know what you are dealing with and what it could mean for your family. Don't Be Nervous It can be nerve wracking to know that you could be filing for bankruptcy. Your life could be vastly different from here on out than it previously has been, but remember that you need to keep your emotions in check. Going to a consultation doesn't necessarily mean that you are filing for bankruptcy; it is just a way of looking at your options. Bankruptcy is also not a death sentence, and though it takes a lot of hard work and planning, you can pull yourself out and recover financially. If you feel that bankruptcy is the only viable option for you, schedule a consultation with a Chesapeake bankruptcy attorney as soon as possible.
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