Why a Little Prep Makes Your Free Consultation More Useful
A bankruptcy consultation goes better when you bring the right papers. Nick can give you clearer answers when he can see your real numbers. You do not need everything perfect. Bring what you have, and we will sort out the rest together.
Think of the consultation as a working session. The more real your numbers are, the more useful Nick’s advice will be. Even rough figures beat guesses pulled from memory.
Meeting With Nick
Your first consultation with Nick is free. Nick meets each client personally, so you are talking to the lawyer who will handle your case. There is no pressure and no sales pitch. The goal is a clear picture of where you stand and what your options are. Bring your questions, too. No question is too small, and clear answers early can take a lot of weight off your mind.
The Document Checklist
Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card. Bring proof of income, such as pay stubs for the last 6 months. The Chapter 7 means test looks back at the last 6 months of income, so those stubs matter. Bring your federal and state tax returns for the last 2 years. Bring recent bank statements.
Bring a list of your debts and creditors. Include collection letters, bills, and any lawsuit or garnishment papers. Bring a list of your assets, such as your home, your vehicles with rough values, and your accounts. If you have any foreclosure, repossession, or garnishment notices, bring those too. If you are not sure whether something matters, bring it. It is easier to set a paper aside than to make a second trip.
If You’re Missing Some Documents
Do not put off the meeting just because a paper is missing. Most documents can be replaced. You can pull pay stubs from a payroll portal. You can request tax transcripts from the IRS. Your bank can print recent statements. Bring what you have to the consultation, and we will make a short list of what to gather next. A missing document is not a reason to keep living with the stress.
What We Do With What You Bring
At the meeting, Nick reviews your papers with you. He looks at your income against the Chapter 7 means test. He checks which debts can be wiped out and which cannot. He looks at what you own and how Kentucky exemptions protect it. By the end, you should understand your options and the likely path. You leave with a plan, not just a pile of questions.
Information to Think Through Before You Come
A few questions help you get more from the meeting. Think about why the debt piled up, such as a job loss, medical bills, or divorce. Think about what you most want to protect, like your home or your car. Think about your monthly income and your basic expenses. You do not need exact figures. A rough sense is enough to start.
What Happens After the Consultation
After the meeting, a few next steps may come up. The Chapter 7 means test uses your last 6 months of income to check eligibility. A court-approved credit counseling course must be completed within 180 days before you file. You do not need that course done for the consultation. It is just good to know it is coming. We also talk about timing, because filing at the right moment can protect a tax refund or stop a sale. Nick walks you through each step in order so nothing catches you off guard.
Where to Meet and How to Book
Our office is at 800 Stone Creek Parkway, Suite 6, in Louisville. We serve Jefferson, Oldham, Bullitt, Spencer, Nelson, and Meade counties, plus walk-in cases from Bowling Green and Owensboro. We are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with weekend appointments available. To book your free consultation, call 502-625-0905. Office manager Toni Hardin can help you set a time that works. If parking or timing is a concern, just ask when you call, and we will help you plan the visit.
FAQ
Is the bankruptcy consultation free?
Yes. Your first consultation with Nick is free. He meets you personally to review your situation and your options. There is no cost and no obligation to find out where you stand.
How many months of pay stubs should I bring?
Bring pay stubs for the last 6 months. The Chapter 7 means test looks back at the last 6 months of income, so those stubs help Nick check your eligibility right away.
Do I need my tax returns?
Yes, bring your federal and state tax returns for the last 2 years if you have them. They help confirm income and catch any tax issues early. If a return is miss
ing, bring what you have.
Where is your office and what are your hours?
We are at 800 Stone Creek Parkway, Suite 6, in Louisville, KY 40223. We are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with weekend appointments available. Call 502-625-0905 to book.
Call to Action
Ready to meet with Nick? Call 502-625-0905 to book your free consultation in Louisville. Bring what you can from the checklist, and we will take it from there.
Resources for Bankruptcy
Mortgage Modification Program Checklist
SBRA Small Business Bankruptcy Checklist
Credit Counseling to Meet Bankruptcy Requirements
Chapter 11 Business Bankruptcy Information
Short Sale Checklist in Louisville, Kentucky
If you are considering bankruptcy, don’t delay because timing is crucial. You can file too early or too late. I am here to help you. Bring in your documents and, contact my office immediately to start the conversation—Nick C. Thompson, Bankruptcy Lawyer: 502-625-0905. Again, here is the printable copy of the Kentucky Bankruptcy Required Document Checklist