THE "SIX STEPS"
Please follow each step. Do not jump over any step, otherwise you will be sent back to complete the missing step and this will slow the process for completing your bankruptcy.

ANY INFORMATION IS HELD IN STRICTEST CONFIDENCE

Step One - Click here for Digicounsel Educational video - Introductory Session: the basics between chapter 7 and chapter 13. This video will help you understand the basics of bankruptcy, assist you to understand your duties in bankruptcy and dispel the myths about bankruptcy. You must have access to broadband (cable, DSL, etc) in order to view the videos.  Do not send questions through DigiCounsel, otherwise the program may freeze.   Instead write them down and ask Ms. Drain during your call (Step Two).  Feel free to call us if you have any problems or questions.

Step Two - Click here for General Review of Financial Status - fill out this form, send to our office and Ms. Drain will call you for a free 20  minute phone discussion. 

THERE IS NO FEE FOR THIS TELEPHONIC DISCUSSION.  Please indicate on your form when and what phone number we should call to reach you at the most convenient time.  Ms. Drain will do her best to call at that time.

This form is intended to provide Ms. Drain with sufficient information to properly advise you as to whether or not bankruptcy is appropriate.  If so, which type of bankruptcy would be the most beneficial.  The information will also assist her to identify specific areas of concern that could lead to difficulty when filing a bankruptcy.

NOTE: To use this form you can copy all or a portion of the document, then paste it into your word processor.  After this form is filled out you can fax, e-mail or mail it to our office.  Make sure to write legibly.

Please understand that just because you fill out the forms and send them to our office you have not committed to filing for bankruptcy protection.  There are rare occasions when the best course is for a client to wait for some period before filing, if a bankruptcy is ever filed; or taking another route, or because of a conflict situation Ms. Drain refers you to another experienced bankruptcy lawyer.  We will discuss these alternatives.  If you do not become a client of our office we will shred all documents you have provided.

Step Three - Click here for Digicounsel Educational video - NOTE: YOU CANNOT ACCESS this video until you have completed Step Two above and spoken to Ms. Drain.

Now that you know whether a 7 or 13 is your best option, return to the videos and choose either 7 or 13, or both.  The more education the better.  Make sure to use the same phone number (including area code) as your original login.  Again, in order for you to access this second video our office must first customize if for your situation.  We do this after we have completed the telephonic conference referenced in Step Two.  As always, call us if you have any problems.

Step Four - Credit Reports - After our phone discussion and when you are within a short time of wanting to file your bankruptcy, obtain tri-merge credit report - -  one report merging all 3 reporting agencies.  If you are married obtain one report for each spouse. This tri-merge report is free if you use this link: click here for the link to the free credit report. Why free - the federal law requires that every Arizona resident be able to obtain a free annual credit reports.

You must have these credit reports (all three for each spouse) in order to fill out step 5 properly.  These reports are intended to make certain you know about and accurately list all your creditors and collection companies.  We do not need copies of these reports.

Step Five*- Please do not start this step until you have completed steps 1, 2, 3, and 4. 
RAPID IMPORT (also known as "StopMyBills.com"): These forms are intended to provide us with the necessary information to prepare your bankruptcy documents.  This on-line program is completely secure and only our firm will receive a copy of your information. Before going any further print and read Instructions for Using Rapid Import.  These instructions will make your work much easier.  Fax us a copy of this signed document.

STOP: did you get your credit reports (step 4)? If not, get those reports and gather all your bills.  Did you print and read the Instructions for Using Rapid Import?  If not, do it now.

Fill in your social security number below and press the "Log In" button.  You will be taken for an easy to follow on-line series of questions.  This site is called Rapid Import and is very secure. Be very accurate when filling in your social security number.  You may return to the Rapid Import site anytime by re-entering the same social security number.  Therefore, you can enter information at your convenience.

Once you press "complete" in Rapid Import an e-mail will be sent to our office.  Once completed do not enter any additional information at Rapid Important without first talking to my paralegal - Jay.  Call us to set your 2-hour appointment.

Step Six**- Credit Counseling Class - Congress requires that you take a credit counseling class before you are permitted to file for bankruptcy.  If you are married both of you must take this class.  The class can be taken on the internet or phone.  We recommend Institute for Financial Literacy (click here).  This office does not act as a facilitator, you must pay any fees directly to the company; we do not give you a log-in number, you just obtain that from the company.  You will be issued a certificate once the class is completed.  Make sure to send my office a copy of this certificate.

Caution: this class is good for only 6 months so take it only when you are ready to meet with me.

Beware of offers from fraudulent educational services.  They must be approved by the US Trustee's Office.

Credit Counseling companies that I have had trouble with:
1) Allen Credit and Debt Counseling Agency www.acdcas.com: (failure to provide certificate without 2 reminders 2-8-07).

Bring to your first meeting with Ms. Drain:
1) Half of the retainer fee.  The balance, plus the court filing fee is to be paid when you are ready for us to file your bankruptcy.
2) Your driver's license and social security cards.
3) New Means Test (click here) - filled out before our meeting.
4) Bank statements for last 12 months - all accounts, including business (if any)
5) Tax returns for last 2 years
6) Last 6 months of all pay stubs or proof of income (if self-employed).
7) Copies of all vehicle titles or registrations.
8) Copies of law suits, if any.
9) If you owe back child support or alimony - a copy of exactly how much you owe and who is trying to collect.
10) If you are behind on house payments and plan on saving your home, then bring a statement from lender indicating the amount necessary to bring the loan current, plus a copy of the Notice of Trustee's Sale, if any.
11) If you owe back federal taxes - obtain a literal transcript called Form 4506-T from the IRS for the last 4 years, whether you think you owed taxes or not.  General Notes on transcripts

Please remember: Ms. Drain is sensitive to strong smells and allergens.  If possible, consider the use of perfumes or cologne when you meet with her. 

If you have young children - please make arrangements for a babysitter.  Our first meeting is long and I need your full concentration.