Filing bankruptcy is a scary prospect, even if you do it voluntarily. There are several different chapters, each with different rules. Hiring qualified bankruptcy attorneys can make the process easier and protect you from your creditors. However, it can be difficult to choose the best attorney for your case. Ask yourself these four questions for answers that can help you decide.
Do you charge a flat fee to represent me?
Hiring any lawyer costs money. This is particularly concerning when you are considering bankruptcy, since money is the cause of the problem in the first place. Some legal professionals charge by the hour. The good news is that most bankruptcy attorneys charge a flat fee for the entire course of representation. Typically, this fee will include consulting with you and discussing your circumstances, preparing and filing the necessary documents, and representing you during the insolvency proceeding. Sometimes creditors challenge the bankruptcy. Other times, creditors can still come in and foreclose on a home. Often the flat rate does not cover these additional situations. Before choosing among various bankruptcy attorneys, make sure you understand each attorney’s fee arrangement.
Is bankruptcy your main line of work?
Any licensed attorney can help you submit the required documentation. However, insolvency proceedings involve complex legal areas that do not apply anywhere else. Also, deciding which chapter to file involves a detailed analysis of your financial situation and individual expectations. Even an experienced attorney whose primary job is filing tort claims or structuring business transactions will generally not have the knowledge and skills necessary to adequately protect you from your creditors. You need a lawyer who is dedicated to handling bankruptcy cases.
What can I expect from you regarding communication?
It is important to find a lawyer whose practice is primarily dedicated to handling bankruptcy cases, but it is equally important to find a lawyer who devotes individual attention to your case, because determining the best course of action requires a detailed analysis of your financial situation. You should know how much time the legal professional will spend reviewing your situation, how quickly your phone calls will be returned, how often the attorney will update you on the progress of the case, when you can expect the relevant documents to be drafted, and what efforts your advocate will make. . he will do to cease collection efforts from creditors.
Will you have staff to assist you in my case?
Bankruptcy attorneys have a considerable number of clients and will not always be directly available to work on your case. There will be routine matters that will need attention, but do not necessarily require the attorney’s personal attention. It is important that the attorney have staff or junior attorneys available to work on the case when the lead attorney is not directly available. However, you should also ensure that the attorney handling the case personally reviews the work of junior attorneys and non-attorney staff members.
Asking these important questions will help you choose among the many bankruptcy attorneys in your area.