If you’re considering filing for bankruptcy it is important to have a good bankruptcy lawyer on your side. A bad lawyer can actually hurt your case so it pays to get the best legal help you can find. Your bankruptcy lawyer will help you to navigate through the court proceedings effectively.
To find a good bankruptcy lawyer you will need to do some homework. Avoid picking a name out of the phone book. Instead do some research on good lawyers in your area. One of the best ways to find a reputable lawyer is through word-of-mouth referrals from other legal professionals.
If you can find several individuals who have been satisfied with a lawyer’s performance chances are he or she is probably doing a good job of representing his clients. A good bankruptcy lawyer can help your case, but many lawyers are overworked and may neglect important details based on a heavy caseload. Don’t let this happen to you!
Consumers should avoid “bankruptcy mills”. These are storefront operations that lure clients by offering cut-rate services. Many such services provide limited and inferior services to their clients. A good bankruptcy lawyer might cost more but you will be assured of decent court representation.
An incompetent bankruptcy lawyer can seriously jeopardize your financial future so don’t waste time on inferior services. Start searching for a good bankruptcy lawyer the minute you decide to file for bankruptcy. The sooner you enlist professional help the easier the process is going to be. Don’t put it off until the last minute!
While referrals can be a great way to find a good bankruptcy lawyer they should NOT come from friends and family. Instead ask legal professionals for advice on where to find a good lawyer. Your personal attorney might be able to recommend a competent bankruptcy lawyer.
Bankruptcy law is a special field so make sure that your lawyer knows his stuff before taking his advice. Try the Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, the American Bankruptcy Institute and your local legal aid society for assistance in finding a good bankruptcy lawyer.
Once you locate what you believe to be a good bankruptcy lawyer make sure to check out his qualifications. If the attorney is certified by the American Bankruptcy Institute you can be sure that they have had to meet additional standards.
You can also opt to spend a day at bankruptcy court. Watching different lawyers at work can help you to decide if you want to enlist their help. You can also investigate a lawyer by talking to debtors and asking them to recommend a good bankruptcy lawyer. Try to find out who sits on local bankruptcy court panels. Examine the trustee panel. Lawyers who are reputable are often elected to serve on the panel.
Make sure you check out the law firm's offices. Make sure that the office is well-organized and professional. A good bankruptcy lawyer will keep his office as neat and professional as his paperwork! Ask your prospective lawyer as many questions as you like including: 1) how many bankruptcies they handle in a month or in a year, 2) how many are consumer or personal rather than business filings? 3) how much access you will have during the filing etc.
A good bankruptcy lawyer will answer your questions effectively and in detail so that you can make an informed decision. Never choose a lawyer you don’t feel comfortable with and avoid any person who promises you a “quick fix”. Bankruptcy problems cannot be wished away. However ensuring adequate legal representation can go a long way to making sure you come out on the winning end.
