How to Find and Hire the Best Bankruptcy Lawyer
Are you on the verge of bankruptcy? Not sure how to file for it or how to navigate the bankruptcy process without destroying your financial stability? The key to getting through this tricky time is hiring the best bankruptcy lawyer to help you get through this issue.
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How to Find and Hire the Best Bankruptcy Lawyer
Need a bankruptcy attorney but not sure how to find the best one for you? Here are the ins-and-outs on finding and hiring the best lawyer for your case.
Start with a Broad Search
The first step in finding a bankruptcy lawyer is exploring your available options. The American Bar Association website lists lawyers and firms with attorneys who specialize in bankruptcy issues. The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneysalso helps people legal help.
By reviewing these two websites, you can identify bankruptcy lawyers in your area and build a list of potential lawyers to contact. In addition to these two resources, ask your friends and colleagues for legal recommendations.
Contact a Few Attorneys
The next thing you should do is contact a few of the attorneys you’ve found and schedule consultations. You should note, however, that while some attorneys will meet with you for free, others will charge you for an initial consultation. When meeting with an attorney, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- Does this attorney have the bankruptcy law experience needed for my case?
- Are they worth the cost of their services?
- Am I comfortable working with this person?
During your consultation, ask them questions that challenge their expertise. Bankruptcy law can be a complicated thing, so it’s important to find a lawyer who is an expert in that area. You should also ask them how many bankruptcy cases they’ve handled. Ask about alternatives to bankruptcy they may suggest, such as credit counseling
Narrow Down Your Options
Now that you’ve met with a few different lawyers, it’s time to narrow your options down to a few choices. At this point, you should be comparing candidates, and assessing the following qualities:
- Their knowledge of bankruptcy law
- Their passion for the legal process
- Their listening and comprehension skills
Your lawyer should walk you through the potential resolutions of your case so you can make an informed decision. They should exude passion for the legal process and be able to tell you why they chose to work in bankruptcy law.
Finally, they should be able to understand your specific circumstance and show empathy toward your case.
Consider Compensation Options
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, you’ll need to ask yourself how much you’re willing to pay for the service. This will help you decide which lawyer you should hire.
It’s important to know that fees will vary based on your case and the state you live in. They’ll also differ depending on if you’re dealing with a Chapter 13 filing or a Chapter 7. Filing for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will cost you between $1,500-$6,00 whereas filing for a Chapter 7 will cost you between $500-$3,500.
Before you hire a lawyer, ask them about their fee structure. Find out the included services that the fees cover. You should make sure you’re getting your money’s worth for your unique case.
Final Thoughts on Finding & Hiring the Best Bankruptcy Lawyer
Filing for bankruptcy can be scary, but hiring the best bankruptcy lawyer can make a scary situation less stressful. By following the easy tips and tricks in this article, you can find the best legal option for your case.
Are you looking to file for bankruptcy? Not sure how to start your legal search? Contact us to learn more about your legal options!
