Often, clients will ask their attorneys what types of documents are needed to assist with preparing a bankruptcy petition.  Some things required by your attorney and your trustee include:

-6 months of your most recent paystubs

-a copy of your most recently filed Federal and State Income Tax Returns

-a copy of your Social Security card and picutre ID

-a copy of your bank statement from the date of filing your case

Many people wonder what happens if they do not have some of the items listed above.  For example, if you are unemployed or work as a private contractor and do not receive paystubs, the trustee will allow an affidavit to be signed stating this.  If you have filed taxes but do not have copies of the returns, you can request copies be sent to you from the IRS and from your State Revenue Department.   If you need your case to be filed before you can retrieve copies of your returns, however, an affidavit stating this will suffice.  If you do not have a copy of your social security card, one can be requested; however, if you have something issued from the government with your social security number on it, such as a W-2, this will be allowed in place of a social security card.  Finally, if you do not have a bank account at the time of filing, the trustee will allow you to sign an affidavit stating that you did not have one.

As stated above, if you do not have all of the required documents for a bankruptcy case, there options to help assist you.  If you want to start a bankruptcy case, contact a St. Louis Bankruptcy attorney today!