Guidelines on Choosing a Bankruptcy Lawyer
You will be at liberty to file for bankruptcy yourself. However, since the process has pitfalls that regular people are likely to suffer, it is advisable to seek the services of a bankruptcy lawyer. Understand that only the right legal practitioner would help you navigate this tricky field of law. This makes it important to research the essential qualities of a lawyer before hiring one. If you must rely on recommendations, it is important to consult only trustworthy individuals. Highlighted below are a few of the primary factors to consider before making a decision.
It is important to ask plenty of questions regarding training and experience. You need a professional that has graduated from a reputable law school. You should also ensure that they enroll in continuing education classes. Take note of the number of bankruptcies they have handled already. You should also ensure that they handle plenty of them monthly or annually. It pays to ensure that they are an authority in the type of bankruptcy you are interested in. If you are looking for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer, for instance, a lawyer that specializes in chapter 13 bankruptcy might not be a good choice for you.
You should ensure that your potential attorney is available. Unlike most law fields, this area of law can be a quantity business. This means that your lawyer is likely to take too many cases at once, which in turn means that they are likely to be too busy already. To be on the safe side, ensure that your potential legal practitioner would not leave you at the mercy of paralegals or clerks. If you need them to represent you personally, make sure that they would not outsource the case. Beware of bankruptcy mills as well.
Communication is a primary aspect to give weight. A lawyer with the expertise you need might not deliver if they do not understand what you need. While the lawyer would be the expert between the two of you, you would only enjoy the benefits due to you if you file the right type of bankruptcy. If you prefer filing for straight bankruptcy, a lawyer that does not listen to you might end up filing for chapter 13, which is a repayment plan case. In case you would be relying on the practitioner for advice, it is important to choose one that is genuinely interested in your case. Do not assume that any expert that seems too busy during the primary consultation will be available going forward.
Take note of service fees prior to making a decision. While you would be at liberty to hire any lawyer, you should not choose one that is too expensive for you. If you are on a budget, you should know that hiring an extremely cheap provider is likely to mean disappointment later. To be on the safe side, look for a bankruptcy lawyer that is willing to work with your budget. It pays to ask for a written contract that highlights all fees to avoid lawyers with hidden fees.