Posted by Deborah Dera on Nov 21, 2012 in Bankruptcy | 0 comments You?ve decided to file for bankruptcy. You?re certainly not alone. Your biggest concern now that you?ve decided to explore filing is to find a bankruptcy attorney you can really trust to get you through the process. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you look around.
Find a Lawyer that Specializes in Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy laws are complex and vary from state to state. While there are tons of legal offices with lawyers specializing in many types of law, your best best is to find a lawyer who specializes in bankruptcy only. The laws are constantly changing and you?ll want to feel comfortable in knowing that you are with someone who knows the process inside out.
Free Consultations & Ultimate Fees
It?s common knowledge that lawyers like to charge for their time, but bankruptcy lawyers are a little different. Most will charge you a flat rate that includes the actual court filing costs plus their own service fees. The cost I spent on my own bankruptcy was approximately $1,500. That seems like a lot, but once your lawyer has told you to stop paying on the bills you?re filing against, you shouldn?t have a tough time scraping whatever amount is needed together.
Don?t, however, settle for a lawyer who won?t give you a free consultation. My bankruptcy lawyer spoke to me, at length, on the phone before setting up a formal consultation with a representative in his office. Some lawyers offer in-office consultations. I did have a meeting with a lawyer in the office, and a nominal fee that was put towards my total cost was charged.
Remember, the cheapest lawyer isn?t always the best lawyer. While it?s important to compare rates, there are other factors to consider as well.
Ask the Right Questions
You already feel vulnerable and the bankruptcy process isn?t exactly the most exciting or calming thing on earth. That said, you still have the right to ask your potential attorney some interview-style questions. Ask him how many bankruptcy cases he handles annually, what certifications he has, and who else in the office you will be working with aside from him. Most lawyers have clerical staff who will be the ones actually guiding you through the paperwork. I was surprised to have a different face show up at my meeting of creditors, too. It helps to know who you?ll be working with.
It?s best to choose an attorney local to you so that you can easily get to the office when it?s time to do paperwork. Trust me when I say that the thick pile of papers that actually makes up your bankruptcy petition is not something you?ll want to sort through on your own. At the end of the day, you?ll want to feel comfortable with the person you?re divulging your financial history to. If you?re not, simply move on. There are plenty of lawyers out there willing to help.
Source: http://www.moderndayfinance.com/how-to-choose-the-right-bankruptcy-attorney
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