Choosing a bankruptcy attorney is not easy. Many attorneys offer their services for an hourly rate and/or a flat fee. If you are not an expert in the field of bankruptcy, it may be difficult to know where to start. You may need a few references and some recommendations from people you know and trust. For this reason, it is important that you understand what to look for when hiring a bankruptcy lawyer.
One of the first questions that should be answered before choosing a bankruptcy attorney is whether they have experience in dealing with the type of bankruptcy that you are considering. Some lawyers are only licensed to represent companies, while others are licensed to represent individuals. Before filing for bankruptcy, you should find out exactly which kind of entity you will be dealing with. It can be helpful to ask about specific experience requirements for the attorney who will be representing you. Although filing for bankruptcy is often stressful, it is important to hire a person who knows what they are doing and who has experience dealing with the intricacies of the filings.
You should also ask about how long the lawyer has been practicing bankruptcy law. The lawyer should have experience with handling cases that fall within your area of expertise and who has successfully helped tens of thousands of people file for bankruptcy protection. This demonstrates the lawyer’s ability to succeed in the bankruptcy area and helps you to feel comfortable about working with them.
When hiring a bankruptcy attorney, it is important to ask about their knowledge of the federal bankruptcy code. The code contains important criteria for filing bankruptcy and it is important to make sure the attorney has read and understood all of the provisions. In addition, the lawyer should be able to explain the practical implications of the code and explain why one filing might not be right for you. An experienced attorney can also help you avoid common mistakes that can occur when filing for bankruptcy.
Finding out as much information as possible about the process you are about to go through is very important. There are a few options open to you when researching bankruptcy. You can contact the bankruptcy court and request information. Many courts have free information services for potential clients. In addition, you can call the individual bankruptcy attorneys listed on the ABA website or contact the better business bureau. While these options provide free information, it is still important to investigate the qualifications of the attorneys.
There are many additional details that are important to know before hiring a bankruptcy attorney. For example, you should ask if there are any other fees that will be charged for the initial meeting. This will help you determine whether the fees are affordable and if they meet your needs and the expectations of the situation. It is important to investigate how the attorney charges for his or her services. Make sure you understand how he or she will be paid for the service you receive.
Another set of important details to research is the personality of the bankruptcy attorney. If you are going to spend money on legal representation, it is important to know how you are expected to repay that money. Find out what the payment plan is and if this fits your financial situation.
Finally, it is important to remember that even though you may have been discharged from bankruptcy by the bankruptcy court, this does not mean that you are no longer responsible for repaying debts. As with any legal issue, it is in your best interest to make sure that you are fully informed of the consequences of filing for bankruptcy. To learn more about selecting a good bankruptcy attorney, contact the admissions department at the office of your bankruptcy choice.