How to Prepare for a Bankruptcy Consultation in Central Ohio
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:
Get your credit reports from all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) at AnnualCreditReport.com
Check recent bills and statements
Look through collection notices
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.