Unfortunately bankruptcy filings in the U.S. continue to rise, therefore the demand for good, qualified bankruptcy attorneys has been stronger than ever. But as a number of unscrupulous individuals rush to capitalize on this trend, being able to find a good bankruptcy attorney can be a challenge. It's important to do your homework in this area as an experienced and qualifiedbankruptcy attorney can help you successfully navigate state and federal bankruptcy laws to obtain much-needed debt relief. Here are a few tips for selecting the right bankruptcy attorney, including a description of what a bankruptcy attorney does.
Before beginning the search for a bankruptcy attorney, it is important to understand what such a legal professional does. Some of a bankruptcy lawyer's responsibilities include:
- A bankruptcy attorney will work with the client to determine if filing for bankruptcy is the best option and which chapter (type of bankruptcy) is the most appropriate.
- A bankruptcy attorney will ensure that the case is conducted in accordance with state and federal laws. He/she will also make sure that all paperwork is completed properly and filed in a timely manner.
- A bankruptcy attorney will accompany the client to creditor meetings.
- Finally, a bankruptcy attorney will sometimes represent the client in bankruptcy court. This depends on the situation.
Experience counts when it comes to bankruptcy. The longer an attorney has specialized in bankruptcy, the more complex situations they will have encountered. An experienced attorney can make the difference between a favorable outcome and a disastrous outcome, especially if your bankruptcy case gets complicated. Most importantly, one should look for attorneys who have experience working with consumer bankruptcy cases.
When looking for the right bankruptcy attorney it is important to conduct an interview with the person to make sure that the fit is right. Make sure that you make a list of all the questions that you have regarding your financial situation and any questions you have about bankruptcy. Consider which attorneys gave the most informative and easiest to understand answers. Once your bankruptcy is underway, you'll likely have additional questions. Thus, it is vital to find an attorney who can explain things to you without confusing you even more. Other important questions to ask are:
- What kinds of bankruptcy cases has the attorney been involved in?
- What will be the attorney's actual involvement in the case? How reachable is he/she and who else will work on the case?
- What is the fee structure? What is included in the lawyer's fees and what is not?
- What is the expected time frame for conducting this particular bankruptcy case?
Here are a few things to avoid when looking for a bankruptcy attorney:
- Do not try to just locate the cheapest lawyer. Such a person may lack necessary experience, knowledge, and time to devote to the case which can have detrimental consequences.
- Do not leave all the work for the attorney. Be sure to stay involved with the process. This will help to ensure that the attorney's attention and efforts are kept focused on the case.
In short, finding a good bankruptcy attorney may take a little work, but it is well worth the investment. Most importantly, make sure that you find an attorney that you feel comfortable with. I offer a free initial consultation, where you can get those questions answered. So if you're considering bankruptcy as an option, please don't hesitate to contact me for further information. What are you waiting for? You've got nothing to lose by contacting me today.