Hiring A Bankruptcy Attorney

By: Stewart Wrighter | Posted: 31st May 2011

In these difficult economic times, you may be finding yourself in need of a bankruptcy lawyer. The loss of a job, illness, death of a family member, or a divorce can cause a financial difficulty where you may be seeking the advice of bankruptcy attorneys. When you are going through bankruptcy, you need a good attorney to deal with your creditors during the proceedings. Filing for bankruptcy is a serious, difficult, confusing, and stressful undertaking and most people are totally unfamiliar with the process.

What should you look for when hiring a bankruptcy attorney and what questions should you ask? First of all do not select the first attorney you visit, take your time and choose the attorney you are comfortable with because you are entrusting this person with your financial future. Look of for attorneys that offer a free first visit and go visit them at their office.

When visiting the attorney's office ensure the office is well-organized and professional. Make sure you go to the meeting prepared to share all pertinent information about your finances and bring along necessary documentation. Ask your prospective lawyer questions such as: How many bankruptcies have you handled in the past month/year? Is bankruptcy a good option for me, what are my other options? How will bankruptcy benefit me? What type of bankruptcy would be best for my situation? What type of bankruptcies do you handle? How much experience do you have with bankruptcy cases such as mine? How much access and interaction will we have during my bankruptcy case? What are your fees and when are it is due? How long will this process take? What information do I need in order to get started with this process? Would you be the one handling my case or will you be passing it onto another attorney or paralegal in your office? Are you current on bankruptcy law? An attorney that is easy to work will answer your questions with patience and in detail.

When looking for a lawyer you want a professional that is experienced in bankruptcy law and foreclosure defense. There are several good bankruptcy attorneys, but you need to find a legal expert you are comfortable with. The best way to find a reputable bankruptcy attorney is through word-of-mouth referrals. Check with your personal attorney or your financial advisor for recommendations. Also check with friends, co-workers, or family members that have used the services of a bankruptcy attorney and ask them for recommendations. If you not comfortable approaching any of these individuals concerning a reference for a bankruptcy attorney, contact the American Bankruptcy Institute or your local legal society. Yet another option for making a selection is spend a day in bankruptcy court yourself and watch the different attorneys at work. Never hire a legal expert that you do not feel comfortable with or makes empty promises or speaks of a quick fix. The purpose of filing a bankruptcy is to get you back on your financial feet, not to get you deeper in debt.


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Stewart Wrighter recently spent time researching bankruptcy with the help of aColumbus Bankruptcy Lawyer. He met with a group ofColumbus Bankruptcy Attorneys to discuss the options people have to rid of their financial problems.
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Tags: patience, economic times, creditors, undertaking, bankruptcies, proceedings, family member, necessary documentation, filing for bankruptcy, financial difficulty, paralegal, bankruptcy law, bankruptcy cases, bankruptcy case, bankruptcy attorney, bankruptcy attorneys, bankruptcy lawyer