Iowa Bankruptcy Guide

Filing for Personal Bankruptcy in Iowa

Audio - When to file Bankruptcy

Jeff Mathias Law Office Bankruptcy Summary

Step One: Median Income Requirement

Step Two: Accumulate Fees and Documents

• $1,306 in cash or money order ($1,000 attorney fee and $306 filing fee)
  
• Credit Counseling Certificate (you can get this online at www.cricketdebt.com, allow two days) or in person here in Des Moines at www.consumercredit-dm.com)
• All bills you intend to discharge (credit cards, medical etc.) with full address including zip code
  
• Creditor information including full address on debts you will keep like student loans, home and car loans
  
• Last two months (60 days) 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
  
• Copies of lawsuits, judgements and garnishment orders
  
• If your wages are being garnished, the name, title & address of your payroll person
  
• Photo ID and Social Security Card or proof of social security number

Attorney Fees:

Step Three: Office Appointment

Step Four: Hearing

"I was so afraid of bankruptcy that I put it off a lot longer than I should have. You made this experience as easy as it could possibly be. I was so nervous at the hearing the other day, and it helped a lot that you told me it went well. Thank you for everything you've done for me!"
-Recent Client

"You were very thorough with your questions concerning our debts, income, and assets. You kept us up to date on what to expect as we neared the hearing. I also enjoyed your sense of humor!. There was never a time, day or night, that you didn't respond to my concerns in a timely fashion."
-Recent Clients

"We truly appreciate your help with our case, you were amazing!"
-Recent Clients

"Man, you are a rock star!! Your turn around time on emails is amazing. :)"
-Recent Client

"Jeff was very thorough, every step of the way, and always kept us informed, usually getting back to us within minutes. We weren't sure what to expect, but Jeff put us at ease, and made the entire process much less anxious and stressful than we anticipated it would be. We recommend Jeff without reservation."
-Recent Clients

"Everything about how you handled our case was great. I had a lot of questions and you made it easy to communicate."
-Recent Client

"Thank you so much for all your help in my case. Service was excellent. All information was presented in a clear and concise manner and all necessary forms were completed very expediously. I will definitely recommend your services to anyone needing legal advice."
-Recent Client

Hi Jeff,
I just wanted to thank you for the great job you did during my Bankruptcy. The first visit when I filed the paperwork with you, well put it this way it was very fast and easy. You made the whole process easy and, In my book you are the best Bankruptcy Attorney, Iowa has to offer. I would recommend you to everyone who needs to file. Again Thank You very much for the great job you did for me.

Sincerely,
DK, Recent Chapter 7 Client

Hi Jeff,
I wanted to let you know that we received our bankruptcy discharge papers today! We are so fortunate and owe you such a HUGE THANK YOU! You have made the whole deal MUCH easier then we ever thought! It is such a relief to be able to pay cash for everyday needs..We have been able to purchase new tires and car repairs that we would have never been able to do! We are also in the process of a budget that has our saving goal as being a new roof before winter! We have learned a valuable lesson through all of this for sure and never will have another credit card..We GREATLY appreciated having you in our corner and highly recommend you to anyone!

With Greatest Appreciation,
D.M., Recent Chapter 7 Client