how to find bankruptcy attorney

How To Choose A Bankruptcy Lawyer

So, you’re in deep financial trouble. Behind on mortgage, car and student loan payments. Already maxed out six credit cards and headed that way on the seventh. Finally got another job, but the salary is 20% less than what you were making when you already were in trouble.

Starting Point for Choosing a Bankruptcy Lawyer

Choosing a bankruptcy lawyer is essentially a two-step process: Begin by finding and vetting likely candidates. Complete the mission by interviewing the handful that meet your criteria, then retain the one that feels the most compatible.

It Helps to Hire a Bankruptcy Specialist

Now, start the vetting process. Many sites — not just Avvo and Martindale-Hubbell — include starred peer ratings, and, like Amazon, allow searches based on numbers of stars. At Martindale-Hubbell, pay particular attention to lawyers whose pictures bear small red hexagonal signs with “AV” in the center. That is their most distinguished rating.

What Should You Ask a Bankruptcy Lawyer?

When you interview a bankruptcy lawyer, you want to be confident about their competency and comfortable that they care about solving your problem. Here are some questions that should help you arrive at both.

What to do when filing for bankruptcy?

Provide advice about the best time to file bankruptcy, so you don’t end up in a worse financial situation than before you filed. Offer guidance on assets. When you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, certain assets are exempt from the proceedings, which means you get to keep them.

Do bankruptcy lawyers offer free consultations?

Many bankruptcy attorneys offer free consultations, so it makes sense to use that opportunity to find a lawyer you’re comfortable with. When you take those meetings, it’s important to be prepared. Here’s a list of some of the questions you may want to ask to help evaluate an attorney.

What is the bankruptcy process?

The bankruptcy process involves disclosing a lot of personal financial information, and you’ll want to make sure you’re working with someone you feel comfortable with. That may mean you need to speak with a few candidates before you find the one who’s right for you. In this article, we’ll explore how to find and vet people for the job.

Why do you need a bankruptcy lawyer?

Benefits of working with a bankruptcy lawyer. If you’re struggling financially, bankruptcy may seem like the most direct way to solve the problem. A good bankruptcy lawyer can help determine if another option would actually be better for your situation.

What happens when you file Chapter 7?

When you file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, certain assets are exempt from the proceedings, which means you get to keep them. Your lawyer should understand which exemptions you qualify for and help you not lose assets unnecessarily. Help complete paperwork that’s required to file your bankruptcy petition.

Why is it important to have a lawyer?

Because there’s so much at stake, it’s essential that your lawyer works with you from the beginning and knows the ins and outs of your financial situation. If you won’t be meeting with your attorney until the meeting of creditors, you may want to find someone else to work with.

What is the NACBA?

National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys: The NACBA is a professional trade association for bankruptcy attorneys who represent individuals. You can search the organization’s member directory to find an attorney near you.

Is bankruptcy a difficult process?

Bankruptcy is a difficult process that requires professional assistance. Professional assistance can be expensive and when you’re considering bankruptcy it’s hard to think about adding another cost to a list that’s already hard to manage.

What is bankruptcy law?

Bankruptcy is a complex legal procedure with very specific rules. Most attorneys who handle bankruptcies are bankruptcy specialists and many lawyers who are not bankruptcy specialists will not take bankruptcy cases.

Can a bankruptcy lawyer help you?

Finally, you must be comfortable working with the legal attorney. Communication between you and the lawyer plays an important role while you are hiring a bankruptcy lawyer. The attorney may be a good one but cannot help you unless you feel comfortable working with her/him.

Is it a good practice to consult someone without knowing about the lawyer?

However, it’s never a good practice to consult someone without knowing about the lawyer and their expertise.

Bankruptcy Lawyers Can Help You

If you're experiencing severe financial difficulties, bankruptcy can provide a path to debt relief and help you get a fresh start.

Types of Bankruptcy

A bankruptcy attorney can help you determine if the process is right for you or if other debt relief options are better suited to your needs.

Why File For Bankruptcy?

People wind up filing for bankruptcy for many reasons, often involving outside forces or unforeseen expenses: Medical debt and unexpected health care costs can quickly spiral out of control, credit card debt can accrue due to business expenses or needing to use a credit card during periods of unemployment and low cash flow, investments in the stock market, real estate or other financial vehicles might suffer due to a financial crisis, or a supply chain shutdown can cause debt to cascade in times of pandemic (such as the coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak) or due to oil price fluctuations.