How to Find a Bankruptcy Attorney

Once you decide to file bankruptcy, choosing your bankruptcy attorney is a critical decision. What should you consider when you set out to find a bankruptcy lawyer?

An Attorney You Can Talk To

Find a bankruptcy attorney that you are comfortable with and can talk to easily. You should not feel that you are being judged for filing bankruptcy. The most important thing you can do when filing bankruptcy is to be honest. You need a bankruptcy lawyer that you can talk to and who will help you get through the bankruptcy process.

An Attorney With Experience

Find a bankruptcy attorney who is experienced. Filing bankruptcy is considerably more than just typing up paperwork. There are on-line bankruptcy services that will type of your paperwork, but they cannot counsel you on potential traps and loss of property.

The timing of filing bankruptcy, as well as pre-filing planning of bankruptcy exemptions can determine whether you keep or lose property and also whether certain debts are dischargeable. Ask the bankruptcy lawyer how long they have practiced law and whether or not they specialize in bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a highly technical field. The best bankruptcy lawyers limit their practice to bankruptcy and know all the ins and outs of the field.

An Attorney That’s Involved

Find a bankruptcy attorney who personally handles your case. All bankruptcy attorneys use paralegals to assist in gathering needed documents and facts. However, there are some “bankruptcy mills” where clients actually never meet the attorney. Ask whether the bankruptcy attorney personally attends the 341 Hearing (the meeting of creditors) with you. You want and deserve the personal attention from your bankruptcy attorney.

An Attorney Who Knows Bankruptcy

Consult bankruptcy organizations for referrals, such as the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and the National Association of Consumer Advocates. Bankruptcy attorneys who stay current in bankruptcy laws and specialize in bankruptcy are often members of these prominent organizations.

Choose Your Attorney Wisely

Many bankruptcy attorneys offer a free, no obligation initial consultation that will give you the opportunity to meet the attorney and ask questions. You can also obtain a price quote. Choosing a bankruptcy attorney on price alone is a very bad idea. Price is important, but should not be the deciding factor, especially in a complex case. You may find an inexperienced attorney willing to take a complex case for substantially less, but you may end up paying for it in loss of property or relief.

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