The process of filing for bankruptcy can seem as overwhelming as making the decision to file bankruptcy itself, but it does not have to be. Horn Law Offices can walk you through all the steps.

Step 1

This step is one of the biggest and most important. Your bankruptcy consultation and drafting your petition will go much smoother if you compile the following information before you make an appointment with our firm:

1. Copies of your last two years’ tax returns or tax transcripts that show any balance owed to the IRS.

2. Pay stubs from the last 60 days for you and your spouse, if applicable.

3. Documentation of your unsecured debts, such as credit card statements, judgments, medical bills, tax bills, student loans, etc. The documents need to include mailing addresses for your creditors. You can obtain a free copy of your credit report from Annual Credit Report to view a complete list of your debts.

4. Documentation of your secured debts, such as mortgage and car statements

5. Credit counseling and the pre-filing bankruptcy certificate for you and your spouse, if any. You can schedule your credit counseling one of two ways: 1) contact Consumer Credit of Des Moines at 515-287-6428; or 2) go to Abacus Credit Counseling and use attorney code ACC20107. Counseling needs to be completed within 180 days before filing bankruptcy.

6. A current bank statement. An Internet printout is sufficient.

7. A current retirement account statement. An Internet printout is sufficient.

8. The state filing fee of $335 and attorney fee of $800, for a total of $1135, in cash or money order; no checks or credit cards will be accepted.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the documents.

Step 2

Schedule an appointment with Horn Law Offices by submitting a contact form on our
website, calling 515-283-2330, or emailing michael.a.horn@gmail.com.

Step 3

Bring all of the necessary documents to your appointment; otherwise, it could delay the process.

Horn Law Offices will walk you through the remaining steps of the process, from deciding which bankruptcy you qualify for—Chapter 7 or Chapter 13—to resolution. Filing for bankruptcy is stressful, but we will do our best to make each step go as smoothly as possible.

Disclaimer: We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. This article is for educational purposes only. It is meant to give you general information and a basic understanding of the law, not to provide legal advice. By using this website, you understand that there is no attorney/client relationship between you and the publisher and any statement is solely the author’s. This website or article should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state or jurisdiction. This article is not published for advertising or solicitation purposes. Regardless, the hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.

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