Your first meeting is about clarity and a path forward, not judgment. If you plan to meet with a bankruptcy attorney in Port Richey, arriving with a few well-organized documents will ease stress and make the consultation more productive. Use this guide to gather what matters most so your conversation can focus on options and next steps.
Identification and household basics
Bring a government photo ID and proof of Social Security number. A recent utility bill or a lease confirms your address. Suppose your household includes a spouse or dependents, note names, ages, and any support obligations. This overview helps your lawyer understand the whole picture from the start.
Proof of income
Collect recent pay stubs for at least the last two months, along with your most recent tax return and W-2 or 1099 forms. If you receive unemployment, disability, pension, or Social Security income, print the latest award letters or deposit confirmations. Small business owners should bring a year-to-date profit and loss statement, business bank activity, and a simple list of regular expenses. Clear income records help shape a plan you can sustain.
A complete picture of debts
Prepare a list of every creditor, even those that have been quiet for months. Include credit cards, medical providers, personal loans, payday or title lenders, past due utilities, and any judgments. Add account numbers, current balances, and the mailing addresses from recent statements or collection letters. If a lawsuit was filed, bring the case number and any court papers. The more complete your list, the smoother the process.
Assets and financial accounts
List what you own and estimate fair everyday values. Include checking and savings accounts, retirement balances, vehicles, real estate, tools, electronics, and any valuable collections. Bring recent bank statements, vehicle titles, and home deeds if available. If you own a business, note equipment, inventory, and receivables. Your lawyer will match each asset with available protections and advise on next steps.
Home and vehicle records
For a home, gather the mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowners’ insurance declarations page, and any homeowners’ association statements. For a vehicle, bring the loan statement, the title if you have it, and proof of insurance. These records confirm balances, equity, escrow details, and whether a plan can bring payments current.
Taxes and legal papers
Provide the last two years of filed tax returns and any notices from the IRS or the Florida Department of Revenue. If you pay or receive child support or alimony, bring the order and a recent payment history. Include divorce judgments, prenuptial agreements, and any ongoing lawsuit documents. Legal papers guide how certain debts are treated and help avoid delays.
Your monthly budget
Prepare a realistic budget that shows average monthly spending for housing, utilities, food, transportation, insurance, medical costs, childcare, and personal items. Use bank activity and receipts rather than guesses. A grounded budget supports the means test analysis and, when needed, the design of a repayment plan that fits your life.
Digital access and neat organization
Write down online logins for major creditors and your banks, or bring printed statements. Place papers in simple sections such as income, debts, assets, housing, and vehicles. If you prefer digital delivery, combine scans into one PDF per section and label each file with clear names and dates. Order and clarity reduce back and forth and keep momentum.
If something is missing
Do not postpone your appointment because a document is still on the way. Bring what you have and make a short list of items to collect. Your lawyer can often proceed with an initial strategy, provide a document request list, and show you how to pull credit reports to catch forgotten accounts.
What to expect at the first meeting
Expect a focused conversation about your goals, timelines, and any time-sensitive concerns such as lawsuits, garnishments, or a pending foreclosure sale. You will review options, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, and discuss how exemptions protect your property. By the end, you should have clear next steps and a checklist tailored to your case.
Conclusion
Thoughtful preparation turns a first visit into real progress. For personal guidance with a bankruptcy attorney in Port Richey, reach out to Weller Legal Group. A brief meeting with the team can help you organize records, understand your choices, and map a path toward steadier finances.
