Jeff Mathias Law Office
4800 Mills Civic Parkway, Ste. 214, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
Tel: 515-261-7526 Toll Free: 1-800-997-1395 Email Jeff
Getting Started with your Iowa Bankruptcy
Here is what I suggest if you want to get the ball rolling:
Review common Iowa Bankruptcy Errors to see if you need to discuss anything with Jeff before going forward.
1. If you are still on the fence, not sure you want to file bankruptcy, contact Consumer Credit of Des Moines. Reviewing your income, debt and expenses with someone else can put things in perspective. You will probably feel better about your decision to file bankruptcy if you do decide to go forward.
2. Go ahead and get your mandatory credit counseling done and get your certificate either through CCC of Des Moines or www.cccsinc.org.
3. Email Jeff to set an appointment. Tell us what day works for you and we can check times. Allow 1-2 hours for your appointment. The more organized you are, the faster it goes.
4. If you are interested, go ahead and do MyCaseInfo data entry from your computer before coming in. This will save you $150 on your attorney fee. You can email Jeff and request an invite.
5. Get organized for your appointment.
Have your documents organized. You will need to bring all these documents even if you do MyCaseInfo.
$1,199 in cash or money order
Credit Counseling Certificate (you can get this online at www.cccsinc.org)
All bills you intend to discharge (credit cards, medical etc.) w/ account numbers, full address
Creditor information (full address, account #'s) on debts you will keep like home or car loans
Last two months pay stubs from work (including your spouse even if they are not filing)
If you do not receive wage income, bring records of other income for the last six months
Most recent state and federal tax returns
W2's for the last two years
Legal Description of your Iowa home if you own from your abstract or tax bill
Proof of valuation of your Iowa home such as tax or other appraisal if you have them
Photo ID and Social Security Card or proof of social security number
6. Meet with Jeff in his Office
7. Do your mandatory post-filing online financial management class. DO NOT do this until Jeff emails you the instructions after filing. If you do your case could be dismissed.
8. Attend your hearing & then wait for 9 weeks to pass.
9. Receive your Discharge, yipee!
Credit After Bankruptcy
Jeff's tips for credit after bankruptcy:
*Maintain steady employment
*Throw away credit card offers received following discharge
*Use your debit card for onilne purchases and travel
*Avoid taking on furniture or other loans that reduce your debt to income ratio
*Make sure you are getting the full employer match on 401k plans
*Save a certain amount of $ from each paycheck, even if it is only $10
*Creditors know you can not file Chapter 7 bankruptcy again for at least 8 years so you are likely to be offered new credit
*Good rates on home loans are normally available about 2 years after bankruptcy. If you want to buy a home, talk to a mortgage lender about 1 year after bankruptcy and see what suggestions they have for preparing financially
*Talk to your kids about budgeting and money management. Involve them in small financial decisions.
*Enjoy life without credit card bills or nasty telephone calls!
Jeff Mathias Law Office
Des Moines Bankruptcy Firm, 4800 Mills Civic Parkway, Ste. 214, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Tel. 515-261-7526
Toll Free 1-800-997-1395
Email Jeff