It is very important that you talk to a qualified attorney
    before filing a bankruptcy. A paralegal or legal assistant
    will not do. They do not have the knowledge, training, or
    experience to counsel you about the complexities of
    Bankruptcy Law. You may communicate with me directly
    with any questions, or for an appointment at
    johnsmithattormey@um.att.com or call 713-861-5699.
    These are the steps you will need to begin the process:

    1. The Law currently requires you to take a credit
    counseling course before filing the case as your “ticket in”
    to bankruptcy. You may find a list of the approved
    agencies at the following link:
    http://www.usdoj.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/cc_approved.htm
    The counseling agency will send a certificate of
    completion directly to my office for filing with the Court.
    We suggest waiting to take the course until after the other
    initial steps have been taken. Later, after your creditor’s
    meeting (approximately 30 days after filing) you will need
    to take a second course in personal financial management.
    http://www.usdoj.gov/ust This is your “ticket out” of
    bankruptcy. Without it, you are not eligible to receive
    your discharge.

    2. Go to www.stopmybills.com to enter some basic
    information to begin the bankruptcy process.  Enter the
    password johnesmithlawoffice. This information can then
    be downloaded by me to have a basis for discussing your
    case with you and starting document preparation. Be
    aware that this is very preliminary information. I cannot
    file your case with this limited information. Much more
    information will be required as shown below. When you
    are entering this data for me to actually file a case,
    averages and guestimates will not do. We must have
    actual, correct, detailed answers. That is what the
    Bankruptcy Code requires.

    3.  Gather the following documents:

         a. Copies of  Income Tax Returns for the last four   
    years

         b. Retail Installment Contracts for all secured items
    being financed.  Secured Items would include vehicles,
    mobile home, furniture, large appliances, satellite dish,
    homes, land, etc.  

         c. All loan contracts for loans that you pledged your
    household goods or other assets as collateral.  Contract
    must list items you put up as collateral.

          d. If your home is up for foreclosure, please provide
    a copy of the foreclosure letter from either the mortgage
    company or the mortgage company's attorney.  If your
    vehicle is being repossessed, please provide the name
    and telephone number of the person we need to contact.  If
    you have an IRS levy, please provide a copy of the IRS
    levy that our office needs to have released.

          e. Copies of last 6 months worth of paychecks and/or
    paystubs

          f. Copy of your social security card and drivers
    license

          g. Copy of proof of auto insurance

          h. Copies of payment coupons for all mortgages on
    home

          i. Copies of any lawsuits or Judgments.


    4.   Contact me for a FREE, initial consultation at either
    my Houston or Friendswood office.



    Bankruptcy is not always the solution.  But when it is ...

    Get it done right!

    Call me.
    Free Initial Consultation


    Call and talk to John E. Smith personally.

    713-861-5699 or 281-996-9393.

    Or email

    johnsmithattorney@um.att.com
JOHN E. SMITH&
ASSOCIATES,P.C.
Helping People With Debt
Since 1983
Bankruptcy
is all  we do.
HOW TO START
This Law Office files bankruptcies for residents  of Houston, Friendswood, Pearland, Galveston, League
City, Dickinson, Clear Lake, Pasadena, Pearland, LaPorte, Texas City, Channelview, Seabrook, Katy,
Sugarland, Fulshear, Waller, Friendswood, Hempstead, College Station, Pearland, Friendswood,Bryan,
and the entire Southern District of Texas.