One of the best ways to determine how to best address financial problems involving debt matters is to contact a qualified, experienced bankruptcy Attorney. I have been helping clients make these important decisions for more than eighteen (18) years. My approach to bankruptcy law is to meet with each client in person, and confidentially at my law offices located at 9 Dauphin Street, Suite 201 in downtown Mobile, Alabama. I will almost always meet a client at the client's home or some other place ( such as a work cafeteria, public library, senior citizens' center, etc). The most important part of the consultation is that YOU, the client, feel comfortable and that you feel a high level of trust in the attorney.
The first meeting with a bankruptcy attorney should involve a review of your financial information. This includes, at a minimum, a copy of your previous two (2) years federal and state income tax returns, a copy of your paystubs for the previous six (6) months ( the prior 12 months is preferred), your spouse's pay stubs for the prior six (6) months and any separately filed income tax returns for your spouse for the past two (2) years, a list of all of your creditors including name, address and account numbers, a copy of your Trans Union, Equifax and Experian Credit Reports ( you can get them for free at http://www.annualcreditreport.com), and a completed Client Information Worksheet the Attorney should send you prior to your appointment.
You should go on your Attorney's website to make sure there is plenty of general information concerning the bankruptcy process. I have posted the official videos of the United States Courts on my website at http://www.ryanbk.com. The videos provide a common sense, plain language explanation of the bankruptcy process in English and in Spanish. If you are hearing impaired, disabled, or speak another language as your first language, the United States Bankruptcy Courts all across the country are equipped to assist you. Please do not ever hesitate to let me know if you have a disability, speak another language as your main language at home, or if you are hearing or site impaired. I will always do everything in my power to assist you and make your experience in consulting with an Attorney an easy one.
Once the attorney completes the initial consultation meeting, he or she should be able to tell you approximately how much it will cost in legal fees to complete the representation of you in connection with your case. Every bankruptcy case is as unique as the characteristics of the individual filing the case. Every person brings to the table their own unique set of circumstances which should be discussed with the Attorney in as much detail as possible. It is usually the best practice that the Client meets alone with the Attorney. This will ensure confidentiality in the communication between Attorney and potential client. All conversations with an Attorney are required to be kept 100% confidential by an Attorney whether the Attorney is hired or not. If you intend to file a joint case with your spouse, you should both attend the meeting. If there is an issue of separation of divorce, this should be discussed with the Attorney when setting up the initial office consultation. In some cases of separation and a pending divorce, it is the best decision for each spouse to be represented by their own attorney. This will depend on the comfort level you each have in working together and communicating together with the Attorney.
Please feel free to contact me about your financial situation. You can reach me at (251) 241-5234 or email me at ryanlegalservices@gmail.com -Kevin Ryan, Attorney at Law. Ryan Legal Services, Inc., 9 Dauphin Street, Suite 201, Mobile, AL 36603; Serving Baldwin, Mobile and Washington county residents