We have been discussing the case of Robert “Dr. Shine” Freeman, 56, of Indian Head, who was sentenced to 27 months in prison for bankruptcy fraud after using his position as founder of Save the Seed Ministry, Save the Seed International Church and Seed Faith International Church to conceal assets.
When you’re filing for bankruptcy, you’re going to want to be as honest as possible about your assets. Trustees and creditors can easily access your financial records. When you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, there are several pieces of documentation you’re going to need to provide your attorney before a successful petition can be completed:
- Tax returns from the previous two years
- Letters from the IRS about any taxes owed
- Paystubs from the previous sixth months (this will also show any garnishments or deductions such as child support)
- The previous month’s financial statements (this includes bank, retirement and investment account statements)
- A copy of your property tax bill (this includes market values for housing)
- A copy of your mortgage payment
- Copies of any vehicle registrations and any loan payment information
- A copy of your most recent credit report
- A list of all your creditors (this includes credit card companies, student loan lenders, medical bills and anything you make a monthly payment on that is considered a debt)
An attorney will let you know if anything further is needed for your bankruptcy case. Any dishonesty during the process can slow down a filing or result in a petition being thrown out of court. When you file for bankruptcy, you’re signing documentation under penalty of perjury, so there’s a possibility that if you’re dishonest, you could face charges like Freeman.
If you have questions regarding bankruptcy, talk to our attorney. If your financial situation is a problem, contact our Washington DC and Maryland bankruptcy lawyer now for a free consultation.
Law Firm of Kevin D. Judd
