Filing bankruptcy can be a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be one you face on your own. Trusting the expertise of a bankruptcy attorney can help you navigate legal complications and avoid common pitfalls. By allowing an attorney to guide you through the process, you make your filing for bankruptcy effort easier and more likely to succeed. Regardless of whether you are filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it is usually in your best interest to seek advice from an attorney.
The right choice
However, there are many options available and it can be difficult to find the perfect bankruptcy attorney for your situation. Finding one that suits you personally and has the experience needed to successfully guide these cases can be a challenge. Since bankruptcy attorneys can come in for quite a bit of money, it’s important to find one you like and trust before hiring one.
To find the perfect bankruptcy attorney, consider:
• Ask friends and family members. Yes, Google exists – and for good reason! But references and recommendations from your family and friends should be trustworthy and able to offer good connections that can help you in your case.
• Looking for a specialist. Don’t just look for a lawyer. Bankruptcy lawyers have proven their expertise in bankruptcy proceedings and law. They can help you when you file for bankruptcy and can also give you advice as you recover financially.
• Contact your state bar association. If your family, friends, and internet searches don’t give you any salient clues, consider contacting your state attorney’s association for attorney referral services. You can find reviews and complaints about lawyers.
• Take advantage of the free consultation. Most bankruptcy attorneys offer a free consultation to discuss your case. Instead of resolving this over the phone, try to see a lawyer in person. You will be able to feel a personal connection and determine whether you trust him or not. It also gives you a glimpse of what it’s like to work with this particular attorney, and you can compare it to other bankruptcy attorneys you’ve visited and considered.
• Referrals from other attorneys, bankruptcy courts. If you have used an attorney for anything else, do not hesitate to contact him or her for a bankruptcy attorney referral. Most professionals are well connected in their industry and can give you insight into who to trust. Bankruptcy courts can be a great place to look for information as well.
Once you’ve considered all the tips for finding a good bankruptcy attorney for your case, filing for bankruptcy will be easier than you think it might be! A bankruptcy attorney will help you complete all the necessary paperwork when you file for bankruptcy as well as represent your case with specialized expertise.
