what to ask a bankruptcy attorney

• Ask bankruptcy attorneys about their backgrounds and about the cases they’ve represented that are similar to yours.
• Discuss your situation and ask the lawyer about the path they’d recommend. ...
• Find out how much they charge for their legal services.
• Decide if you and your lawyer are able to communicate effectively. ...

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Full Answer

What are good questions to ask an attorney?

Expect your attorney to ask if you have any nondischargeable obligations. You can prepare by reviewing a list of debts you can't discharge in bankruptcy here. Question 2: Will I lose property in bankruptcy? Bankruptcy lawyers also want to know if you have property you don't want to lose in bankruptcy. Common examples include homes, cars, boats, sporting equipment, and valuable …

Why should you hire a bankruptcy attorney?

Jan 25, 2022 · Questions To Ask A Bankruptcy Attorney: Bankruptcy Attorney Checklist If you have decided to file for bankruptcy, the next logical step is to hire a competent attorney to oversee your case. A lot of attorneys even offer a free consultation upfront so that you can decide if they are a good fit for you.

How to find a good bankruptcy lawyer?

Feb 27, 2022 · An experienced bankruptcy lawyer will be able to assess if you should file for bankruptcy or not. So here are the bankruptcy questions that you should ask. 678-401-6836 [email protected]

How does someone get the best bankruptcy attorney?

Mar 23, 2021 · The type of bankruptcy that you should file for is a decision that you must make after consulting with an experienced bankruptcy attorney. How Much of an Attorney’s Practice is Devoted to Bankruptcy Cases? This is an important question to ask. You’ll want to retain a lawyer who devotes at least 50% of their practice to bankruptcy law.

What questions should I ask bankruptcy lawyer?

If you're looking for a bankruptcy attorney, getting answers to these five questions will help you make the right choice.Should I file for Chapter 7 or 13?Will I erase all of my debt?Can I keep all of my property?What does the bankruptcy process involve?How much will filing for bankruptcy cost?

What questions should I ask about bankruptcy?

Here are five questions to ask yourself before you start the bankruptcy process.Chapter 7 or Chapter 13? There are two types of personal bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. ... Can you afford it? ... Will it actually help? ... Can you qualify for bankruptcy? ... Will you be able to live with the effects for years to come?

Can filing for bankruptcy increase debt?

Many people are afraid of what bankruptcy will do to their credit score. Bankruptcy does hurt credit scores for a time, but so does accumulating debt. In fact, for many, bankruptcy is the only way they can become debt free and allow their credit score to improve.Jun 30, 2021

Should you seek legal advice when filing for bankruptcy?

Individuals can file bankruptcy without an attorney, which is called filing pro se. However, seeking the advice of a qualified attorney is strongly recommended because bankruptcy has long-term financial and legal outcomes.

Is debt relief better than bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy frees you from debt collection, but the headaches can linger for years. Debt settlement without bankruptcy can take more time but — if negotiated properly — can do less damage to your credit. Debt settlement stays on your credit report for seven years, but has less negative impact on your credit score.

What questions are asked in Chapter 7?

Common Questions Asked About Chapter 7 BankruptcyWhat is Chapter 7 and how does it work? ... What is a Chapter 7 discharge? ... Who is not eligible for a Chapter 7 discharge? ... Who may file under Chapter 7? ... How much does it cost to file under Chapter 7? ... Where is a Chapter 7 case filed?More items...

Is bankruptcy worse than collections?

In fact, accounts included in bankruptcy are far worse than a regular unpaid collection. You may think that $50,000 worth of collection debt is what is hurting your score, and by filing bankruptcy, that unpaid debt will go from $50,000 to 0. The balances will, indeed, show a zero balance.

How long does it take to rebuild credit after bankruptcy?

The amount of time it takes to rebuild your credit after bankruptcy varies by borrower, but it can take from two months to two years for your score to improve. Because of this, it's important to build responsible credit habits and stick to them—even after your score has increased.Jun 16, 2021

How much will my credit score go up when my Chapter 7 comes off?

How Much Will Your Credit Score Increase After Chapter 7 Falls Off Your Credit Report? When a chapter 7 falls off your report, you can expect a boost of around 50–150 points on your credit score.4 days ago

What will I lose if I file bankruptcy?

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy wipes out most types of debt, including credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans. Your obligation to pay these types of unsecured debt is eliminated when the bankruptcy court grants you a bankruptcy discharge.Dec 12, 2021

What should you not do before filing bankruptcy?

Here are common mistakes you should avoid before filing for bankruptcy.Lying about Your Assets. ... Not Consulting an Attorney. ... Giving Assets (Or Payments) To Family Members. ... Running Up Credit Card Debt. ... Taking on New Debt. ... Raiding The 401(k) ... Transferring Property to Family or Friends. ... Not Doing Your Research.

What are the do's and don'ts of bankruptcy?

Don't run up debts immediately before filing bankruptcy. Incurring debts prior to bankruptcy could result in those debts not being discharged. Worse yet, the court may deny your bankruptcy altogether! Don't use a non-attorney "bankruptcy preparer" unless you have completely researched all relevant legal issues.

Should I File for Bankruptcy?

Much depends on your personal financial situation, but if you’re drowning in debt, and creditors are continually contacting you about payment, filing for bankruptcy might be the best step you can take.

What are the Pros and Cons of Filing for Bankruptcy?

The automatic stay is extremely attractive to nearly all debtors, but there are also other factors that operate in favor of filing for bankruptcy. Any lawsuits or garnishments against you are generally stopped as are repossession actions.

What Type of Bankruptcy Should I File For?

Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 proceedings are consumer bankruptcies. Chapter 7 cases are called liquidation or straight bankruptcies. After being discharged in bankruptcy, the debtor starts with a clean slate.

How Long Have You Been Practicing Bankruptcy Law?

You’ll want a bankruptcy lawyer with a minimum of five years of exemplary bankruptcy law experience. Those lawyers are better prepared to address any complications that might arise in your case.

How Many Cases Like Mine Have You Handled?

If the answer that you’re given is in the thousands, you’re probably in the right place. If not, you might want to arrange for a consultation with another bankruptcy lawyer with more experience.

Who Will Work on My Case?

Make sure that the person you meet with is a bankruptcy lawyer and not a secretary or paralegal. If no lawyers are able to meet with you, find another law firm.

What Information Do You Need to Get Started on My Case?

The lawyer who you consult with probably has a preprinted list of anything that he or she needs from you to get started. You can ask for a copy of that to be emailed to you before your initial consultation, or it might even be on the law firm’s website.