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Selecting the Right Bankruptcy Lawyer

If you looked in the yellow pages or ran an internet search in order to find bankruptcy lawyers, you have likely found that there are a number of attorneys in your area that handle bankruptcy cases. Selecting the right bankruptcy lawyers to handle your case can be difficult. The following are some points to keep in mind when deciding which bankruptcy lawyers to hire.

1. Bankruptcy is a specialty. Years ago, bankruptcy was a relatively simple practice area and many attorneys who specialized in other areas of law took on bankruptcy cases from time to time. In recent years, however, bankruptcy has become more and more complex. In fact, after the major reforms in 2005, many attorneys stopped taking bankruptcy cases because they found keeping up with all the latest developments to be too time consuming. You want bankruptcy lawyers who specialize in handling primarily bankruptcy cases. Ask the bankruptcy lawyers you are considering how much time is spent handling consumer bankruptcy cases like yours. You would not hire a dentist to perform an open heart surgery or a brain surgeon to install a crown. So don’t hire a divorce lawyer to file your bankruptcy.
2. Look for a full-service bankruptcy law firm. Now that you have narrowed your search to just bankruptcy lawyers, you will want to find a firm that provides the full service you need. Many smaller firms don’t have the ability to provide you with the documents you need to ensure your bankruptcy filing is complete and accurate from the start. Some firms will make you get your own credit reports, tax transcripts, credit counseling certificates, home appraisals, and other documents that can be difficult and expensive to obtain. Make sure your bankruptcy lawyers will be able to get your credit reports from ALL THREE major credit bureaus so that every creditor is accurately listed on your bankruptcy paperwork. A full service law firm should also be able to set you up with a credit counseling service that you can contact by phone or online; should be able to get your tax information, home valuations and many other documents for you.
3. Look for a firm that is large enough to handle your case. When dealing with an area of law as complex as bankruptcy can be, it is comforting to know that you have the backing of an entire law firm to represent your interests. No one attorney can know everything there is to know about every possible situation, so you want to be assured that the attorney handling your case has the resources and experience of a nation-wide firm of attorneys to represent your interests.
4. Can the firm handle claims against your creditors? If you have ever been late on a bill, you know how aggressive creditors and bill collectors can be. There are strict rules as to what certain collectors can do or say to you when they call you. If a creditor violates these rules, you may be able to sue your creditor for violating federal laws and obtain a financial recovery. Ask your attorney if his or her firm handles these types of cases. A full-service bankruptcy firm should have attorneys on staff that handle these cases.
5. Will someone be able to answer your questions? Every client has questions that come up throughout their bankruptcy and most work during regular business hours. Make sure you find out if you will be able to speak to bankruptcy lawyers during evening or weekend hours if you need to.
6. You get what you pay for. Like just about everything else in life, when you hire bankruptcy lawyers, you will likely get what you pay for. Some firms may lure you in with bargain basement fees and you only later find out they don’t include some of the basic services you would expect. Bankruptcy lawyers’ fees which are extremely low are generally a good indication of minimum services or less than competent representation. Ask the bankruptcy lawyers to explain what services are included and what services are not. You want bankruptcy lawyers who are experienced and professional and who will provide you with a full service for a fair fee.
Payment plans. If you are considering bankruptcy, you likely do not have a lot of spare cash sitting around. That’s why it is important to ask your bankruptcy lawyers about any payment plans thier firm offers. A reputable firm will offer flexible interest-free installment arrangements for you. Good bankruptcy lawyers will also give you other ideas about how you might be able to afford the costs of your bankruptcy.

The most important advice we can give you is that debt problems will not go away by themselves. The sooner you start dealing with them, the easier it will be in the long run. Consult with experienced bankruptcy lawyers in your area [good place here for a link] today and get started on the fresh start you deserve.

 

Why hiring a bankruptcy lawyer is better than going it alone

 

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