What to Bring to Your First Bankruptcy Consultation in Philadelphia In short: For a free bankruptcy consultation in Philadelphia, bring photo ID, recent pay stubs (or income proof), tax returns, a list of debts and creditors, monthly bills, bank statements, and any lawsuit or garnishment papers. Cibik Law offers free consultations at our Philadelphia and King of Prussia offices. Call (215) 774-3916. Walking into your first meeting with a bankruptcy lawyer feels easier when you know what to bring. The right documents help an attorney quickly see whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 fits your situation—and what the automatic stay could stop if you file. At Cibik Law, P.C., we offer free consultations for Philadelphia-area residents. Below is a practical checklist organized the way people actually search—so you can prepare in one sitting. What should I bring to a bankruptcy consultation in Philadelphia? Bring these core items to your first bankruptcy consultation: Government-issued photo ID Proof of income for the last 6 months (pay stubs, Social Security award letters, or business profit/loss if self-employed) Federal tax returns for the last 2 years A list of all debts—credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, car loans, mortgage, student loans, and judgments Recent monthly bills (utilities, rent, insurance, childcare) Bank statements for the last 3 months Any lawsuit, garnishment, foreclosure, or repossession paperwork If you cannot gather everything before the meeting, still come. We can often start with a partial picture and tell you exactly what is missing. What documents do I need for a Chapter 7 consultation? Chapter 7 focuses on whether you qualify under the means test and which debts can be discharged. For a Chapter 7 consultation, prioritize: Pay stubs or income records for the past 6 months Last 2 years of tax returns (and W-2s or 1099s) Mortgage statements and car loan statements (if any) Credit card and medical bill statements showing balances Records of large payments or transfers in the last year (if applicable) Chapter 7 cases move quickly once filed. Having income and debt documents upfront helps us estimate timing and whether any assets need special planning. What documents do I need for a Chapter 13 consultation? Chapter 13 uses a repayment plan—often to catch up on a mortgage or car loan. Bring everything listed for Chapter 7, plus: Your mortgage statement showing arrears (missed payments) Car loan contract or repossession notice Domestic support orders (child support or alimony) if applicable A rough monthly budget (housing, food, transportation, insurance) Chapter 13 planning depends on reliable income and realistic expenses. Pay stubs and bills help us draft a plan that courts are more likely to confirm. Is a bankruptcy consultation free in Philadelphia? Yes. Cibik Law offers a free initial bankruptcy consultation for qualified Philadelphia-area residents. There is no obligation to file. Call (215) 774-3916 or use the contact form on our homepage. How long does a first bankruptcy consultation take? Most first consultations take 45 to 60 minutes. If your situation is urgent—garnishment, foreclosure sale date, or repossession—we can often schedule a shorter triage call first and a fuller document review afterward. What happens at a first bankruptcy meeting with a lawyer? At your first meeting, we typically: Review your income, debts, and major assets (home, car, retirement) Discuss whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or a non-bankruptcy option fits Explain what the automatic stay would stop in your case Outline fees, timeline, and documents still needed to file Answer your questions in plain language You should leave with a clearer picture of options—not pressure to file on the spot. What if I do not have all my documents yet? Come anyway. Bring what you have: even a partial creditor list and one pay stub helps. We can pull a credit report in many cases and give you a tailored checklist for anything missing. What should I not bring to a bankruptcy consultation? You do not need originals of every bill—copies or phone photos are fine. Do not delay the meeting because your tax return is at your accountant. Do not hide debts or transfers; full disclosure protects you later in the process. How do I prepare for a bankruptcy consultation in Pennsylvania? One hour of prep at your kitchen table is enough for most people: Write down every creditor and approximate balance Gather pay stubs or print income from your employer portal Locate your last two tax returns Note any lawsuit, garnishment, or foreclosure dates List your monthly must-pay expenses Philadelphia residents in Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware Counties are welcome at our King of Prussia office as well as Philadelphia. Take the Next Step The right documents turn a stressful first call into a real plan. Cibik Law, P.C. has helped thousands of Pennsylvania families evaluate bankruptcy with clarity and respect. Call (215) 774-3916 for a free consultation. General information only—not legal advice. Every case is different. Frequently Asked Questions Do I need pay stubs for a bankruptcy consultation? Yes—recent pay stubs (or other income proof) are among the most important documents. They help determine Chapter 7 eligibility and Chapter 13 plan payments. How many years of tax returns should I bring? Bring federal tax returns for the last two years if available. They verify income history and support means-test calculations. Should I bring my spouse to the consultation? If you are married and considering joint filing, both spouses should attend when possible. If only one spouse may file, we can explain how that affects household income and debts. What if I am being garnished right now? Bring the garnishment order and recent pay stubs showing the deduction. Filing bankruptcy may stop wage garnishment for many unsecured debts—see our guide on the automatic stay. Is the consultation confidential? Yes. Attorney-client discussions are confidential. Bring honest, complete information so we can give accurate advice.