What to bring to the appointment?

When you walk into a doctor's appointment you want to tell him/her everything that is wrong with you. You want to list each and every ailment so that the doc can tell you what is wrong or that everything is okay. However, when people go to an attorney for an appointment they are generally unprepared. I cannot tell you how many times my clients tell me in their interview that they have no idea how far in debt they are or even how many money they make a year.

If you want us to make an accurate diagnosis and prognosis of your financial future you must give us input. Meaning you must provide us with details. In doing your homework you will also get a better picture for yourself of your financial situation. I would suggest at a minimum you have the following information and documents together before going to your first appointment:
1. Tax Returns - 4 years worth - state and federal
2. Pay statements for six months - from all jobs
3. A list of money received from 401(k) cash outs, lottery winnings, signing bonus (received or not issued yet), funds from friends and relatives
4. Monthly budget - with credit card debt and without
5. Equity in vehicles - Equity= Amount owed - Worth of Vehicle
6. Equity in house
7. Value of household goods and jewelry
8. List of all land and value - whether here or anywhere in world - other than your primary home
9. Amount of back taxes
10. Amount of back child support
11. What you have transferred in the last ten years worth $4,000 or more - vehicle, house, boat, plane
12. List of all assets (goods) worth $1,000 or more - television, home, car, season tickets, beanie baby collection, coke collection, timeshare, etc....
13. List of debts - secured (house, boat, plane, car, etc...), personal loans (Beneficial signature loan), credit card debt, tax, child support, payday loans. etc...

The more information that you can provide in a concise manner the better financial diagnosis you can receive. Remember to review your information before going to the appointment so that you can follow along with the analysis and you are not shell shocked to find out you are $60,00 in debt to the almighty credit card.