There are many things that need to be taken into account when choosing an attorney. You need to choose an attorney that will take the time to understand your situation and provide you with sound advice. A good attorney will also be able to help you understand the implications of your decisions, both the ones that are right and those that may be wrong.
It is important to find a bankruptcy lawyer that listens to you and respects your concerns. If an attorney brushes off your questions, responds with annoyance and one word answers or seems generally unprofessional during your consultation, you should look elsewhere. The right bankruptcy attorney can help you get a fresh start in your finances.
Bankruptcy is a complex area of law, and there are many issues that must be addressed in each case. A good bankruptcy attorney will be able to explain the different options that are available for you, including alternatives to filing. They should be able to give you clear, understandable advice on the pros and cons of each option.
When you are selecting a bankruptcy attorney, you should consider the amount of experience that they have. Many attorneys advertise their years of experience, and that is certainly something to look at. However, it is equally important to consider the types of cases that they have handled. An attorney that specializes in bankruptcy cases, for example, is more likely to be up to date on the most recent developments in this field.
During your consultation, you should bring as much documentation as possible about your financial situation. This will include documents that show how much you owe, who you owe it to and what assets you own. You should also bring documents that prove your income. If you are in a very low-income bracket, you can sometimes hire an attorney to work on your case for free or at a reduced cost.
You should also be aware of the fees that are charged by bankruptcy attorneys. This can vary depending on the state and the type of bankruptcy. You should interview several lawyers to ensure that you are comfortable with their fee structure and their approach to the bankruptcy process.
Once you have narrowed down your choice of bankruptcy attorneys, you should make appointments to visit their offices. During your interviews, you should be polite and respectful to the attorneys, but you should feel free to ask as many questions as you need. Be sure to ask about the number of bankruptcy cases they have handled, whether or not they have handled Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies and if they have any additional specialties, such as credit counseling.
When you have selected an attorney to represent you in your bankruptcy, you should sign a representation agreement and draft schedules with the attorney. You should read the agreement carefully and ask for clarification of any parts that you don’t understand. You should also provide the attorney with information and feedback in a timely manner to ensure that court deadlines are met.
