If you are struggling with overwhelming debt, constant collection calls, or the fear of losing your home or vehicle, the first step toward relief is understanding your options. At Rubin & Associates, we know how intimidating the idea of “talking to a bankruptcy attorney” can feel. That is why our initial consultation process is designed to be simple, straightforward, and pressure-free.
When you meet with us, you will get honest guidance from one of the most experienced bankruptcy lawyers in Dallas. Whether you ultimately choose to file for bankruptcy or decide that another solution is better, we want you to leave the meeting with clarity and confidence.
Since so many people ask us what’s involved in the initial bankruptcy consultation, We wanted to write this post to give you a detailed look at what you can expect during your first consultation.
How long does a bankruptcy consultation take?
Most initial consultations last 45 minutes to an hour. Some meetings are shorter, and others run a bit longer depending on your situation. WE prefer to spend as much time as necessary to understand your financial picture and answer all your questions.
There is no time pressure, and there is definitely no judgment. If you have complicated issues (multiple income sources, business ownership, tax debt, or prior bankruptcies), I will be happy to take whatever time is needed to help you understand how bankruptcy laws apply in your case.
What should you bring to your bankruptcy consultation?
Bringing the right information and documents helps us give you accurate answers and clear guidance. If you cannot gather everything, do not stress. Bring what you can and we will tell you if anything else is needed later. In short, we need to see your full financial picture, including income, debts, and financial obligations.
Ideally, you should bring:
- Recent pay stubs (for the last 6 months if possible)
- Your most recent tax return
- A list of your debts, including credit cards, medical bills, payday loans, personal loans, and collection accounts
- Mortgage and car loan statements
- Bank statements from the last 2–3 months
- Information about any lawsuits, garnishments, repossessions, or foreclosure notices
- Your driver’s license and Social Security card
If some documents are at home, in storage, or you can’t find them, that is okay. Many clients come in with only partial information, and we gather the rest later.
What happens when you arrive at your consultation?
When you walk into one of our offices in Dallas, Frisco, or Fort Worth, you will be greeted by our staff and asked to complete a short intake form. This form simply helps us understand the basics of your financial situation.
Once the paperwork is done, you will meet directly with an experienced bankruptcy attorney, not a paralegal or intake agent. We firmly believe these conversations should be attorney-to-client from the very beginning.
A step-by-step walkthrough of your bankruptcy consultation
- Understanding your financial situation
Once you finish the initial paperwork, we will start the conversation by asking about:
- Your income and household size
- Your monthly expenses
- The types of debt you have
- Any lawsuits or garnishments
- Whether foreclosure or repossession is a concern
You do not need to use legal terms or “have everything together.” We know the right questions to ask if there is anything you’re not sure about. Our goal is to get a full picture of your financial reality, not to make you feel embarrassed.
- Reviewing your documents
Next, we will review any documents you brought with you. Pay stubs and bank statements help us to determine which bankruptcy options you qualify for. Debt lists and loan statements help us to calculate what sorts of relief are available.
If something is missing, we will tell you exactly how to get it and whether it affects your eligibility.
- Explaining Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13
- Discussing non-bankruptcy alternatives
- Creating a strategy
- Whether you qualify for Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or both
- What filing would accomplish
- Which property you can protect
- What steps need to happen next
This is the part most clients find the most helpful. Once we have gotten a clear picutre of your financial situation, we will walk you through your options. We will start by conducting the means test, which determines which type of bankruptcy you are eligible for (don’t worry, you will qualify for at least one type).
If you qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, we will them explain how Chapter 7 bankruptcy works. We will walk you through the timeline and explain which debts can be discharged and how quickly the bankruptcy proceeding will be finished.
If you do not qualify for a Chapter 7, you will instead file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. A Chapter 13 proceeding is more of a repayment plan that allows you to catch up on missed payements. We will explain the process and timeline for a Chapter 13 if that is the route that is best suited to your financial situation.
We will explain everything in plain English, tailored to your exact situation. You won’t hear a generic script with basic information you might find online – we will take the time to explain everything and answer all of your questions.
Bankruptcy is not always the best solution, and we will not force it on you. If we believe you can avoid filing altogether (potentially through negotiation, loan modification, or simple budgeting adjustments), we will tell you that honestly. Many clients appreciate this transparency.
Before your initial consultation ends, we will outline:
If you choose to move forward, we provide a written checklist so you know exactly what documents are needed for the filing.
What happens after your initial consultation
You will leave the consultation with a clear understanding of:
- Your bankruptcy options
- What each option would mean for your home, car, income, and debts
- What the next steps look like
- Exactly what it costs to file
There is zero obligation (or pressure) to hire our firm. Many people take a few days or even weeks to make their decision. We want you to feel comfortable and confident, not rushed.
If you choose to move forward, our team will guide you step-by-step through the entire process, from gathering documents to filing your case to your final discharge.
Ready to take the first step?
Financial stress is overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. A free consultation with Rubin & Associates can give you answers, options, and real peace of mind.
If you are ready to understand your options and get honest legal guidance, call Rubin & Associates at (214) 760-7777. We are here to help hardworking families across Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, Frisco, and the entire DFW area get the fresh start they deserve.
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