Prepare for Your Initial Consultation – Purpose of the Initial Consultation
The FREE initial consultation with Simon Fitzgerald, LLC is designed to explore your bankruptcy and any non-bankruptcy alternatives. During this meeting, we will discuss your current financial issues, ask questions to understand your goals better, evaluate what may happen if you don’t file, and determine whether you qualify for Chapters 7 or 13 to determine the best way to solve your issues. We’ll also explain what each of these options are and would look like for you. You may find answers on our Frequently Asked Questions page if you have any other questions about bankruptcy.
Are you ready to take control of your financial future? Schedule Your Free Consultation with our experienced bankruptcy attorneys today.
What to Expect at Your Initial Consultation
The initial consultation can be in-person at one of our three convenient office locations or by telephone. Here’s what to expect during your appointment:
- In-Person Consultation: If you choose to meet in person, you will fill out intake forms upon arrival that will provide details about your financial situation and allow us to pull your credit report. You will meet with one of our experienced bankruptcy lawyers in a free and confidential meeting to discuss if filing for bankruptcy would benefit your current situation. To save time, we can send the intake forms to you by email or text message so you can fill them out before arriving. If you’d like to receive the intake forms before arrival, ask our staff member who books your appointment or call our office before your meeting.
- Phone Consultation: Other than being conducted over the telephone, phone consultations will be just like the in-office appointment; however, you will be sent the intake packet via text or email, and it must be completed and returned by 8:00 a.m. on the day of your appointment so that our staff can pull your documents and have them ready for the attorney.
- Documentation Required: The only required documentation is your picture ID or Driver’s license. These are required to verify your identity and retrieve your credit report. While other documentation may be helpful, we aim to make your first appointment as easy as possible. If you are more comfortable providing us with your ID, we can still conduct your appointment. Ideally, we prefer more information that is totally up to what you are comfortable providing.
- Topics of Discussion: Be prepared to discuss any immediate financial issues, any problems that you are currently having with debts, your financial goals, your income sources, your debts, assets, and the value of any assets.
- Free – $0 No Cost Consultation: The initial consultation is FREE, even if you decide not to file a bankruptcy case.
Preparing for Your Consultation: A Simple Guide
Here’s a simplified list of helpful information to gather or be aware of before your appointment:
- Mandatory Documents: Driver’s license or picture ID.
- Helpful Documents: Social Security Card, last two years of Federal and State tax returns, last six (6) months’ proof of income or pay stubs from all sources.
- Additional Information: Be prepared to discuss any real estate or vehicles you own, their estimated balances and values, and whether you’re behind on any payments. If you have paperwork regarding any of these you believe is relevant or may be helpful, please bring sure to bring it with you
- Other Items: Sometimes, the following may be helpful:
- 401K Loan documents, including the payment amount, balances, and payoff date
- Any rent-to-own contracts for the property you wish to keep
- Any correspondence from the IRS or other taxing entities
- Proof of Full Coverage car insurance if recovering a repossessed vehicle
Important Information for Married Debtors
Question: Do I have to file bankruptcy with my spouse or include my spouse’s income, assets, or debt if I’m filing without them?
Answer: You are allowed to file bankruptcy without your spouse; however because the bankruptcy laws consider the total income of the household, you must still disclose your spouse’s income as well as all assets and debts that are part of the community, and in some situations, the Court or Trustee may have questions about separate assets and debts that are not part of the community between you and your spouse. Some non-filing spouses have concerns about this. However, you are only being asked to disclose the information, and your individual bankruptcy should not show up as a bankruptcy filed by your non-filing spouse. If you or your non-filing spouse have questions like this, click here to review our page dedicated to Bankruptcy for Married Couples.
Complete List of All Items Potentially Needed
Review the Items Needed Before We Can Prepare Your Bankruptcy, but note that only your picture ID or Driever’s license is mandatory for the initial consultation.
Legal Notices and Disclosures
We are committed to transparency and compliance with all legal requirements. Please review the following legal notices and disclosures that pertain to our services:
- Notice to Individual Consumer Debtor under § 342 (b)
- Disclosure pursuant to § 527(a)(2)
- Disclosure pursuant to § 527(b)
- General Order Regarding Chapter 13 Fixed (“No-Look”) Fees (Effective August 1, 2021)
- General Order 2022-1, Amending and Restating 11 B., E., and H. of General Order 2021-2 Concerning Chapter 13 Fixed (NO-LOOK) Fees (Effective April 1, 2022)
Additional Resources
For more information and support, please explore the following links:
Contact Information and Next Steps
If you have any questions or need further assistance preparing for your initial consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way.
Shreveport/Monroe: (318) 868-2600
Alexandria: (318) 625-7505
Lafayette/Lake Charles: (337) 984-1584
Why Choose Simon Fitzgerald LLC for Your Bankruptcy Needs?
Simon Fitzgerald LLC is a leading Louisiana bankruptcy attorney firm committed to providing personalized and compassionate legal assistance. With over [number of years] of experience, our skilled attorneys understand the complexities of Chapters 7 and 13 bankruptcy laws. We offer:
- Expert Guidance: Our attorneys are well-versed in Louisiana bankruptcy laws, ensuring you receive accurate and tailored advice.
- Flexible Consultation Options: We make the initial consultation process seamless and convenient in person or over the phone.
- Transparent Legal Notices: We provide all required legal notices and disclosures upfront, ensuring full compliance and transparency.
- Dedicated Support: Our team is here to support you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the final resolution of your case.
Your path to financial stability and peace of mind begins with a simple step. By choosing Simon Fitzgerald LLC, you’re taking a significant step towards regaining control of your financial life. Whether you’re considering Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, our experienced Louisiana bankruptcy attorneys are committed to providing personalized solutions tailored to your unique situation. Schedule your free initial consultation today, and let us help you navigate your financial difficulties. Don’t let financial challenges control your life; take the first step towards financial freedom by contacting Simon Fitzgerald LLC now, and embrace a future filled with stability and peace of mind.
