Preparations.
Ok first thing I did was opt-out of the prescreened credit offer list at
www.optoutprescreen.com . The form wouldn't work for me as it kept saying my zip code was inaccurate for my state (how convenient :mad
so I just called the number on the web site and did it over the phone. The automated system told me I would be removed within 5 business days.
Next thing was to get a free account at PACER the government info site that stores all court records.
PACER Service Center Home Page. An account is free, but they do charge you 8 cents per page on search results, so be aware of that.
Next thing was to get full copies of all 3 credit reports. I got mine completely free using this site
https://www.annualcreditreport.com which has to provide you with 1 free copy of each report once a year by law without asking for a credit card or any fee.