Before you file for bankruptcy, there are a number of steps that you need to take. One of these steps is reviewing your credit report. You need to inspect your report for any credit discrepancies. If you find any, you need to write a credit dispute letter and include supporting documentation that shows the debt is paid off. This may be able to help you avoid bankruptcy or at least lower the debt that you have when you do file for bankruptcy. Here's how to write this letter accurately:

1. Provide Clear Copies

When you decide to send in a dispute letter for something on your credit report, it needs to contain evidence that supports your assertion. You will want to keep the hard copy of any documentation and make photocopies of it to send it to the credit bureau. Make sure to use a highlighter to highlight the portion that supports your case. As an example, if you looked at your credit report and noticed that there is a debt showing unpaid, but you paid it, then you need to send in information that shows the debt has been satisfied in full. This must be included in the first letter or the process will take exceedingly longer than necessary.

2. Provide ALL Details Including Your Side of the Story

While you are including supporting evidence that shows you have paid off your debt, you also need to explain your side of the story. Make sure to include in your letter an explanation of why you are disputing the item on your credit report and why you believe it is inaccurate. With all details included, they will take your credit dispute letter much more seriously and act on it much faster.

3. Only Send Via Certified Mail

Never send a credit dispute letter via First-Class mail or any other service than Certified Mail. This is true whether you are mailing your letter to the credit bureau or your creditor. It will cost a few bucks extra, but it will be worth it. This is because there will be proof that they received your letter.

4. Follow Up After a Week

It isn't uncommon for creditors and credit bureaus to ignore individuals who are trying to dispute information on their credit report. This is not legal nor is it fair, but it happens frequently. Therefore, you need to follow up after about a week to protect yourself. If needed, send another certified letter. By following up and sending another letter, you are more likely to hear back and get he dispute resolved.

Once you've disputed everything on your credit report that was inaccurate, you are ready to tackle the next steps of the bankruptcy process. It is in your best interest to have a bankruptcy attorney by your side to ensure that every step of the process is properly executed. Visit a website like http://howardgoodmanlaw.com/index.html to learn more about the next steps in the bankruptcy process.