5 Tips for Choosing the Right Bankruptcy Attorney
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What Should You Ask a Fort Lauderdale Bankruptcy Lawyer?
Why should I hire a bankruptcy attorney?
For these reasons, it would be in your best interest to hire a bankruptcy lawyer. In many cases, you can pay a good portion of your attorneys' fees through your Chapter 13 repayment plan. Even if you can't afford a bankruptcy lawyer, consider talking to an attorney. Many attorneys provide free consultations.
What To Look For In a Bankruptcy Attorney
Many law schools sponsor legal clinics and provide free legal advice to consumers. Some legal clinics have the same income requirements as Legal Aid; others offer free services to low- and moderate-income people.
Most county bar associations will give you the names of bankruptcy attorneys who practice in your area. Keep in mind that bar associations don't screen the lawyers. It's up to you to check out the credentials and experience of the person to whom the bar association refers you.
Legal Aid offices offer legal assistance in many areas. A few offices do bankruptcies, although most do not. The federal Legal Services Corporation partially funds Legal Aid, and it's intended for low-income people. It's more likely for a Chapter 7 filer to find help. Few Chapter 13 bankruptcy filers will qualify.
Not only does bankruptcy require understanding how many principles interrelate, making a mistake can be costly. Most lawyers won't accept a bankruptcy matter unless they practice bankruptcy law regularly. Here are some suggestions for finding the best bankruptcy lawyer for your job.
Reputation – Even if a family member or friend referred you to a particular attorney, you should check their online reputation. Review the law firm’s website for additional information as well. Check where and when each attorney took the bar exam and which school each attorney attended. This additional information will help you choose a bankruptcy lawyer who can help you successfully handle your case.
Professionalism – Check the law firm’s website and ensure it is professional. Determine if the bankruptcy attorney has a receptionist or just a call center. A professional bankruptcy lawyer will make the time to meet with you in person or virtually. Note how much time the attorney spends with you, how they interact with you and whether you feel that you are treated respectfully.
Make a list of local bankruptcy attorneys to evaluate. If you have a friend or relative who has declared bankruptcy, ask for a referral and add that attorney to your list. Another option is to Go to the NACBA ( National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys ). This site lists qualified, professional bankruptcy attorneys in your area.
Experience – When selecting a bankruptcy attorney, find out how long they have been practicing and verify that they are licensed in the state of Maryland. Also, ask if they have specific experience handling a case similar to yours.
Bankruptcy is an official legal process. It is complex and detailed and involves many deadlines and procedures. While a bankruptcy attorney may not be required for an individual to file bankruptcy, legal representation is strongly recommended. There are many court forms to complete and documents to file. If not completed correctly, the bankruptcy procedure could be delayed, or an accusation of fraud could be made. In addition, a large percentage of bankruptcy cases that are filed by an individual pro se (which means without the assistance of an attorney) actually get dismissed by the courts.
Get referrals and recommendations from friends and family. Talk to friends and family members who used an attorney. Find out who they hired, for what type of service, if they were happy with the services, and why or why not. Ask if they would recommend the attorney.
Write out questions about the lawyer's practice. You can generally find out the basic information about the attorney online, such as how long s/he has been practicing, where s/he went to law school, etc. For your in-person questions, ask about matters that are relevant to your specific case. The attorney should not have any problem answering any questions you may have, and should not sound hesitant or unsure. Areas to ask about include questions about the following:
Contact your local bar association for qualified attorneys in your area. State bar associations keep public records about complaints and disciplinary actions taken against attorneys licensed to practice in the state. Most local bar associations also have free referral services that can help you find an attorney to suit your case's needs.
Remember that you are interviewing the attorney for a job. Treat your meeting as such, a job interview. If you feel as though the attorney isn't listening to you or isn't answering your questions, pick a different attorney.
Trusts and estates. This type of lawyer deals with issues such as estate planning, qualifying for Medicaid, probating an estate, and obtaining guardianship of an elderly parent or grandparent.
Focus your efforts on finding a lawyer that has dealt with your specific legal issue in the past and that you get along with personally. Taking the time to find the right lawyer will be worth it, as they are more likely to help you win your case.
Criminal law. An attorney who specializes in criminal law is important if your case involves a crime or potentially illegal activity.