Often, the most painful part of filing for bankruptcy is tracking down all the darn documents needed! Don't let this step overwhelm you! You do not need all of this information before meeting your attorney to discuss options, but when it is time to prepare your filing, go item by item and gather the documents that apply to you to provide to your attorney. Click on each item for more information on exactly what the Court is looking for, review carefully, most common questions are answered here!
IDs - You must provide copies of your social security card and photo ID (driver's license). Your license address must be current and must be in Michigan.
Paystubs - You will need to provide six (6) months worth of paystubs for any employment you've held in the six months prior to filing.
Car Titles and Proof of Insurance - A copy of your car title and insurance certificate for each vehicle in your name.
Bank Statements - You will need to provide bank statements for the most recent three months prior to filing.
Tax Returns - You will need to provide your most recent two years of tax returns, both Federal (IRS) and Michigan.
Credit Report - Please use these instructions to pull the correct report for your case, do NOT use a different site.
Copies of any bills you've received that do NOT appear on your credit report.
Registered Deed & Registered Mortgage - Please review this link for exactly what you will need if you own a house. For a Chapter 13 filing, you will also need to provide your house insurance declarations page.
Make sure you review each item link above, it's frustrating for both you and your attorney if items are missed or if the items you provide are not what is required. Also, remember that items are time sensitive, if you don't update your file right away, your documents will expire and you will need to provide more paystubs/bank statements, etc. to update your case.
Remember that no case can be filed before the above documents are provided, you complete your credit counseling, you meet with your attorney (via Zoom) to sign your petition and your attorney receives that signed petition back from you to file with the Court. There is no legal protection from foreclosure, garnishment, repossession, etc. until your case is filed with the Court and all of the above is completed!
