Meeting with Your Bankruptcy Attorney
A walkthrough of the first consultation: what we discuss, what you'll learn, and what happens after you walk out the door.
Your story comes first.
At our first meeting I let you tell your story in your own words. I'll keep us on track when needed, but you should leave knowing you've shared everything that matters about your financial and emotional situation.
Bankruptcy is rarely just about numbers. The fuller the picture, the better the plan we can build together.
Then I explain how bankruptcy actually works.
We start with exemptions, what assets state or federal law protects, then walk through how your property is treated in bankruptcy. Next come the three types of claims: secured, priority, and unsecured.
For secured property, I explain your three options: surrender, reaffirm, or redeem. Then I cover priority claims and unsecured claims (credit card bills, medical bills, deficiency claims, and the like).
Why the discharge is the whole point.
I'll explain exactly what gets discharged and what doesn't. Almost all claims are discharged, with three exceptions: secured claims you reaffirm, certain non-dischargeable debts, and claims successfully challenged by creditors or the trustee.
We'll also cover other Chapter 7 features that can affect you: preferences, fraudulent transfers, and property acquired after filing that may still be part of the estate.
What every client must know.
14 acknowledgments, grouped into 4 simple categories. Tap a tab to focus on what matters most to you.
List all assets. Failure to do so may result in federal prosecution.
List all debts you owe.
List all future interests, including remainder interests in property or present interests in a trust.
List all contingent interests like causes of action or potential lawsuit claims. We'll discuss valuation together.
You'll receive this full list in writing with a place to sign. If anything is unclear, we talk it through first.
Protection starts when we file, not before.
- You have no legal protection from creditors until your case is actually filed with the Bankruptcy Court.
- If you're filing to stop a foreclosure or repossession, it's your responsibility to deliver every document and book your appointment in time.
- We can only file once you've returned the worksheet, supporting documents, and the retainer plus filing fee.
From worksheet to discharge, step by step.
Once you decide to move forward, here's exactly how the process unfolds, with a clear handoff at each step.
You'll take home a worksheet and a list of required documents. Bring everything plus the attorney fees and filing fee back to your next appointment.
My legal assistant verifies that nothing is missing and uses your information to prepare your schedules and statement of financial affairs.
We sit down together (about two hours) to finalize your petition and bankruptcy documents before they're filed with the court.
After filing, you attend the creditors' meeting with the trustee. Creditors then have 60 days to object to discharge or dischargeability.
You're not my client until you decide you are.
The first meeting carries no obligation. You only become a client when you return with the completed worksheet and the retainer. Until then, take the time you need to think it through.
Common questions about the first meeting.
What clients say about the first meeting.
"Mr. Max and his assistant Tami were very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. Before I started my case I reached out to other lawyers — none of them gave me the information I needed to make the right decision. Tarbox Law gave me the time, listened to my concerns, and made the process easy. They took a huge weight off my shoulders. Thank you so very much, Mr. Max and Tami."
"Dear Mr. Tarbox and staff — thank you for your help and support during this difficult time in my life. I truly appreciate the generosity of time you and your staff gave to my case. I am humble and grateful. Lord bless you and your staff mightily!"
"Max is a great attorney. Very personable and truly cares about your case. You can't go wrong hiring Max to represent you in your bankruptcy case. He has a great staff also."
"The respect and wonderful service I received here is why I will be referring people to them in the future! To Mr. Tarbox, Ms. Pagendarm and their amazing staff — thank you so much!"
"Great lawyer and man. Very concerned about your legal problem and goes the extra mile to help! If you need help on a bankruptcy you can't go wrong here!"
"Really fast paced. They get stuff done fast, and the price was pretty reasonable as well — not too high."
"Mr. Max and his assistant Tami were very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. Before I started my case I reached out to other lawyers — none of them gave me the information I needed to make the right decision. Tarbox Law gave me the time, listened to my concerns, and made the process easy. They took a huge weight off my shoulders. Thank you so very much, Mr. Max and Tami."
"Dear Mr. Tarbox and staff — thank you for your help and support during this difficult time in my life. I truly appreciate the generosity of time you and your staff gave to my case. I am humble and grateful. Lord bless you and your staff mightily!"
"Max is a great attorney. Very personable and truly cares about your case. You can't go wrong hiring Max to represent you in your bankruptcy case. He has a great staff also."
"The respect and wonderful service I received here is why I will be referring people to them in the future! To Mr. Tarbox, Ms. Pagendarm and their amazing staff — thank you so much!"
"Great lawyer and man. Very concerned about your legal problem and goes the extra mile to help! If you need help on a bankruptcy you can't go wrong here!"
"Really fast paced. They get stuff done fast, and the price was pretty reasonable as well — not too high."
The law often changes and each case is different. The information above is general and not a substitute for legal advice.
Your first conversation is free, confidential, and with the attorney himself.
No call centers, no intake screeners. Max personally reviews every case from the very first call.
