If you have just filed for bankruptcy or have been thinking about whether or not you should file for bankruptcy, you need to talk to a legal attorney who can represent you and walk you through the process so you come through the other side with as little stress as you possibly can.
While you can go to your close friends or family for some advice and tell them about your specific financial situation, the truth is that unless they are well-versed in law or attorneys themselves, the advice they can give you is going to be limited at best. The smartest thing you can do to get through this financial difficulty is to find a bankruptcy attorney who can help walk you through the process so you understand exactly what is happening and what you need to do every step of the way. Below are some tips on how to find a good bankruptcy attorney to help you during this difficult time.
Qualities to look for in your attorney
Before you hire a bankruptcy attorney to help you with your case, you need to find one who you know is reputable and will have your best interests at heart. You also do not want to hire just any attorney, but one who is well versed in that particular area of law. Look for an attorney who handles at least 2-5 bankruptcy cases a month so you know they are well versed in that particular type of law. Also, look for an attorney who you can be totally open with and communicate freely so that no problems come up during the bankruptcy process. If you would like assistance finding a qualified bankruptcy attorney in your area, please visit the bk directory to establish a connection today!
Questions to ask an attorney during the vetting process:
Before settling on an attorney or just picking one based off of the reviews, take advantage of the free consultations they give you and go through a kind of interview process with them. This process will help you find the lawyer that you are most comfortable with and who can best handle the specifics of your case. Below are some questions you should ask candidates you are looking at during this process.
1.) Ask if they specialize in bankruptcy specifically: These types of financial laws are complicated and come with a lot of nuances. It is important that you pick an attorney who is well versed in the smallest of details so that your case is handled appropriately.
2.) Find out how many cases they file each year: It is best to go with an attorney who files at least 50 bankruptcy cases each year.
3.) Get details as to who you will work with specifically: There is a lot at stake when it comes to your bankruptcy case, so you want to make sure that you are working with an actual lawyer who has a lot of experience, and not a paralegal. It is essential that you have the same lawyer see your case through to its entirety so they know the ins and outs of your specific situation.
4.) Have them write out their fee structure and tell you what is included: Most bankruptcy attorneys realize that their clients can’t pay much upfront and will work with you to set up a payment plan. Find out how they can work with you and then have them tell you what is included in their fees so you know exactly what you are paying for!
There are many ways to finding the right bankruptcy attorney to represent your case. Start out by getting as many referrals as possible and then vetting each one thoroughly. Do your homework and make sure the one you hire is qualified, experienced in bankruptcy law specifically, and makes you feel as comfortable as possible during the process.
