Filing for bankruptcy can be a complicated process. You are required to provide full and complete information about everything you own or have an interest in, and all of your debt.  If you fail to list property that you own or have an interest in, you may lose your right to claim the property as exempt which can cause you to lose it.  If you fail to list a creditor, you may not be able to discharge that debt.  Either failure can be be considered fraud under certain circumstances which could carry criminal consequences as well as denial of the Bankruptcy discharge you are seeking.  For these reasons, you need to make sure that your lawyer has full and complete information so he or she can represent you properly. Bankruptcy lawyer Robert A. Schwartz in Rochester, NY, aims to make this process a bit easier for you. When you retain him as your lawyer, he'll ensure that you are aware of all the information and documentation which is required to make filing for bankruptcy as smooth and stress-free as possible.

To help you get started, here are three types of data you'll need to file for bankruptcy:

• Earnings Statements: When filing for bankruptcy, your lawyer will need to know as much as possible about your current income. You'll be expected to provide pay stubs for the month you file, as well as the preceding 6 months that detail your gross income and all deductions. Be sure to have those documents on hand when consulting a bankruptcy lawyer.
• Income Tax Returns: Much like pay stubs, you are required to provide the Trustee appointed in your case with a copy of your income tax returns for the two years prior to your filing.
• Proof of ownership and valuation of secured claims: You will need to provide copies of titles to any motor vehicles as well as copies of deeds and mortgages.  If you have a loan secured by your property, you will need to furnish a copy of a current loan statement.

If you would like to learn more about filing for either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy be sure to contact Robert A. Schwartz at (585) 334-4720. You can also visit his website for more information about his services.