How to Prepare for a Bankruptcy Consultation in Central Ohio

How to Prepare for a Bankruptcy Consultation in Central Ohio

March 09, 20257 min read

prep for bankruptcy consultation

How to Prepare for a Bankruptcy Consultation in Central Ohio

Money troubles can hit anyone, and sometimes bankruptcy might be your best path forward. If you're thinking about filing for bankruptcy in Central Ohio, your first step is to meet with a bankruptcy lawyer. This meeting is your chance to understand your options and start fresh.

To prepare for a bankruptcy consultation in Central Ohio, gather your financial documents (income proof, tax returns, bills, credit reports), make a list of all debts and assets, bring identification, write down your questions, and be ready to discuss your financial situation honestly. Most bankruptcy attorneys offer free initial consultations lasting 30-60 minutes where they'll review your situation and explain which type of bankruptcy might work best for you.

Getting ready for this meeting is important. When you come prepared, you'll get better advice and feel more confident about your next steps. This guide will walk you through everything you need to do before your bankruptcy consultation in Central Ohio.

What to Expect at a Bankruptcy Consultation

Length and Format of the Meeting

Most bankruptcy consultations in Central Ohio last between 30 and 60 minutes. Many lawyers offer these first meetings for free. During this time, the lawyer will:

  • Listen to your story

  • Ask about your finances

  • Explain bankruptcy options

  • Answer your questions

  • Outline costs and next steps

Some lawyers meet in person at their office, while others might talk with you by phone or video call. Either way, the goal is the same—to help you understand if bankruptcy is right for you.

What the Lawyer Will Ask You

Be ready to answer questions about:

  • Your income and expenses

  • All debts you owe

  • Property and assets you own

  • Recent financial transactions

  • Your marital status

  • Past bankruptcies (if any)

  • Why you're considering bankruptcy

The more honest you are, the better advice you'll get. Everything you tell your lawyer stays private.

Documents to Bring to Your Consultation

Financial Records to Gather

Before your meeting, collect these documents:

  • Income proof: Recent pay stubs, business income records, benefit statements

  • Tax returns: Copies of your last 2-3 years of tax returns

  • Monthly bills: Utility bills, rent/mortgage statements, car payments

  • Debt statements: Credit card bills, medical bills, loan documents

  • Bank statements: Last 3-6 months of statements from all accounts

  • Credit reports: Free reports from all three credit bureaus

  • Property documents: House deed, car titles, appraisals for valuable items

Don't worry if you can't find everything. Bring what you have, and your lawyer can tell you what else they need.

Personal Identification

Remember to bring:

  • Photo ID (driver's license or state ID)

  • Social Security card or number

  • Any previous bankruptcy papers (if applicable)

Creating a Complete List of Your Debts

How to Track Down All Your Debts

Many people don't know exactly how much they owe or to whom. To make a full list:

  1. Get your credit reports from all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) at AnnualCreditReport.com

  2. Check recent bills and statements

  3. Look through collection notices

  4. Search your email for payment confirmations

For each debt, write down:

  • Creditor name

  • Account number

  • Amount owed

  • Monthly payment amount

  • If the account is past due

Debts That Might Not Show on Credit Reports

Some debts don't appear on credit reports but still matter for bankruptcy:

  • Taxes owed

  • Child support or alimony

  • Some medical bills

  • Personal loans from family or friends

  • Rent payments

  • Utility bills

  • Traffic tickets or court fines

Making a List of Your Assets

What Counts as an Asset

Assets include anything you own that has value:

  • Your home

  • Cars, trucks, boats

  • Furniture and appliances

  • Electronics

  • Jewelry and collectibles

  • Tools and equipment

  • Cash in the bank

  • Retirement accounts

  • Investments

  • Life insurance policies

  • Expected tax refunds

  • Possible lawsuit money

How to Value Your Assets

For your consultation, you don't need exact values, but good estimates help:

  • For vehicles: Check Kelley Blue Book

  • For your home: Look at recent tax assessments or online estimates

  • For personal items: Think about what you could sell them for, not what you paid

Understanding Your Income and Expenses

Calculating Your Monthly Income

Add up all money coming in each month:

  • Wages from jobs

  • Self-employment income

  • Social Security

  • Disability payments

  • Unemployment benefits

  • Child support or alimony received

  • Rental income

  • Regular help from family

Bring pay stubs from the last six months if you have them.

Tracking Your Monthly Expenses

Make a list of everything you spend money on each month:

  • Housing (rent/mortgage, property taxes, insurance)

  • Utilities (electric, gas, water, internet, phone)

  • Food and groceries

  • Transportation (car payment, gas, insurance, maintenance, bus fare)

  • Medical costs (insurance, medications, doctor visits)

  • Child care and school expenses

  • Child support or alimony paid

  • Personal items (clothing, haircuts, toiletries)

  • Entertainment and eating out

  • Pet expenses

  • Insurance premiums

  • Debt payments

This helps your lawyer see your complete financial picture.

Questions to Ask During Your Consultation

About the Bankruptcy Process

Prepare questions like:

  • Which type of bankruptcy is best for my situation?

  • How long will the process take?

  • Will I lose my house or car?

  • Which debts can be eliminated?

  • Which debts will I still have after bankruptcy?

  • How will bankruptcy affect my credit score?

  • When can I get credit again after filing?

  • How often will we need to meet?

  • Will I have to go to court?

About the Lawyer's Experience and Fees

Also ask:

  • How many bankruptcy cases have you handled?

  • Do you focus mainly on bankruptcy law?

  • What are your fees, and what do they include?

  • Are there extra costs I should know about?

  • Do you offer payment plans?

  • Will you handle my case personally or will someone else in your office?

  • How can I reach you if I have questions?

Types of Bankruptcy to Discuss

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Basics

Chapter 7 is often called "liquidation" bankruptcy:

  • Can eliminate most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills)

  • Usually takes 3-6 months to complete

  • You must pass an income test to qualify

  • Some assets might be sold to pay creditors, but exemptions protect many belongings

  • Stays on your credit report for 10 years

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Basics

Chapter 13 is a "reorganization" bankruptcy:

  • Creates a 3-5 year payment plan for some of your debts

  • Lets you keep all property while making payments

  • Can stop foreclosure and help you catch up on mortgage

  • Good option if your income is too high for Chapter 7

  • Allows you to pay less than you owe on some debts

  • Stays on your credit report for 7 years

Your lawyer will explain which type fits your situation better.

Life After Bankruptcy: What to Expect

Impact on Your Credit

Bankruptcy will lower your credit score, but:

  • Many people see their scores begin to improve within 1-2 years

  • You can get some types of credit cards soon after filing

  • Car loans may be available within 1-2 years

  • Home loans typically become possible after 2-4 years

  • Your score before bankruptcy affects how quickly it recovers

Steps to Rebuild Your Financial Health

Your lawyer can suggest ways to get back on your feet:

  • Creating and following a budget

  • Building an emergency fund

  • Getting a secured credit card

  • Making all payments on time

  • Checking your credit reports regularly

  • Taking credit counseling classes

Why Choose Christopher Gallutia, Attorney at Law

When you're facing bankruptcy, you need a lawyer who truly understands what you're going through and knows the local courts in Central Ohio. Christopher Gallutia has helped hundreds of people just like you get the fresh start they deserve.

Don't face this challenging time alone. With our team by your side, you'll have a clear path forward and someone fighting for your best interests every step of the way.

Our bankruptcy services include:

  • Free initial consultations

  • Clear explanations of all your options

  • Help with every form and document

  • Protection from creditor harassment

  • Representation at all court meetings

  • Ongoing support throughout the process

We proudly serve clients throughout Central Ohio and the greater Columbus area, including Reynoldsburg, Blacklick, Pickerington, Pataskala, Whitehall, Gahanna, Brice, and beyond.

Beyond bankruptcy, we also offer Credit and Debt Counseling and Tax Resolution services to help with all aspects of your financial challenges.

Take the first step toward financial freedom. Call Christopher Gallutia today to schedule your free, no-obligation bankruptcy consultation. Your fresh start is just a phone call away.

Conclusion

Getting ready for your bankruptcy consultation doesn't have to be hard. Gather your financial papers, make lists of what you own and what you owe, and think about questions you want to ask. When you come prepared, you'll get the most from your meeting and start your journey to financial freedom on the right foot.

Back to Blog