how to:look for:a:legitimate:bankruptcy lawyer

by Prof. Bert Littel 5 min read

Try checking with the local board of bar overseers. Look the lawyer up by name and it will let you know if they are legit and whether or not they have been subject to any disciplinary actions before the state bar. Good luck to you.

To find a local bankruptcy attorney, seek personal referrals from friends or family or your own attorney. You can also find bankruptcy attorneys through the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. Sign up with NerdWallet to see your debt breakdown and upcoming payments all in one place.

Full Answer

How do I find a good bankruptcy attorney?

Dec 14, 2016 · Choosing a bankruptcy lawyer is essentially a two-step process: Begin by finding and vetting likely candidates. Complete the mission by interviewing the handful that meet your criteria, then retain the one that feels the most compatible. The internet abounds with websites that help with finding and vetting, but old-fashioned methods are useful.

How can I tell if a lawyer is legit?

Oct 23, 2021 · If you are reading this, you are probably looking for a legit bankruptcy attorney. This detailed guide will teach you how to tell a professional from a rookie or even a bankruptcy scammer. ... The job of your bankruptcy attorney involves instructing you about the hearings so that you can provide the court with the right answers and avoid ...

Why should I hire a bankruptcy attorney?

Why our Clients Choose Our Firm To Help Them File Bankruptcy In Indianapolis. We were named “ Super Lawyers ” in the years 2006 through 2020. We have achieved an A.V. rating by Martindale Hubbell. We are proud members of the American Bankruptcy Institute. We have extensive experience and documented results in helping over 30,000 people.

What is the bankruptcy means test?

Apr 10, 2022 · Bankruptcy Lawyers for Your Zip Code. Consult With a Local Bankruptcy Attorney. Serving New York, New York. Ads by Nolo/Martindale Attorney Network. Click Here or Call (855) 324-7890 to Connect With a Bankruptcy Lawyer serving New York, New York. Start Here.

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Why Hire a Bankruptcy Lawyer?

Although filing bankruptcy is a great way to get rid of debt, it’s usually very stressful and therefore challenging to accomplish without professional assistance. A bankruptcy attorney is aware of the latest legal procedures and requirements to filers.

Ensure The Right Competency Level

Most bankruptcy cases are considered relatively uncomplicated, but they can quickly become very complicated too. It all depends on your particular case. The difficulty level of your case depends on:

Expect Actionable Legal Advice

After signing the retainer agreement, you can expect your lawyer to take your side and give you the best advice to show you what works in your best interest and what doesn’t. The attorney should also instruct you on what:

Expect Paperwork Assistance

Filing for bankruptcy involves a lot of paperwork. Fortunately, all professional attorneys have knowledge and access to the software needed for bankruptcy documentation preparation and submission to the court. Expect your lawyer to request your financial information, including:

Expect Explanations on Property Processing

A professional attorney must be able to explain to you what specific assets are exempt and what has to be sold under your bankruptcy chapter. It’s important that you have realistic expectations and a clear understanding of what’s happening without flooding your house with documentation.

Expect Representation at Hearings

The bankruptcy process always involves mandatory that can be assigned if your case requires it. You can expect your lawyer to represent you at the following hearings:

Expect Attention to Deadlines

Of course, hiring an attorney doesn’t mean that you can relax and let everything go, but a good attorney will always remind you to do all things on time. It’s very important to avoid critical deadlines if you don’t want to be fined or make the court suspicious about your case.

How to ensure you have a legitimate partner?

There is one easiest way to ensure you have a legitimate partner during this process. That is by going directly through a bankruptcy lawyer. Lawyers have a license to practice law. To maintain that license, they need to adhere to certain rules and regulations.

When was the last time the bankruptcy scam was updated?

Last Updated on March 29, 2021. Consumers beware: bankruptcy scams operated by cons and fraudulent firms are preying on the short and long-term financial well-being of those already in desperate situations. Perhaps you think you are out of options.

How long does bankruptcy affect credit?

Although filing a bankruptcy allows you to clear some debt you may have, your credit score will be negatively affected by the bankruptcy filing for up to seven years.

What happens if you are behind on your mortgage?

You are behind on the mortgage, and your credit cards are maxed out . No bank or other lending agency is willing to give you any additional funds. Your friends and family may not be able to help you out financially. Therefore, you have decided you are going to file for bankruptcy.

Does bankruptcy end?

There are numerous steps within the process. It does not end when the bankruptcy is filed. The main question to ask them is what will happen to your credit report once the bankruptcy is filed. If they tell you the negative information on your credit report will fall off, this should set off another alarm.

Can an attorney walk you through bankruptcy?

The attorney should be able to walk you through your available options. This includes the various types of bankruptcy which are available. In addition, they may help you explore all other non-bankruptcy options. If you decide you do not want to go with a lawyer and want to instead go with an agency, you can.

Is there a quick fix for bankruptcy?

If there is a quick fix to help with getting you out of debt, you would already be aware of it. To be clear, there is no quick fix for getting out of debt. That is, unless you happen to come into a windfall of cash.

Where to find the US Trustee's test information?

To find these, visit the website of the U.S. Trustee at www.doj.gov/ust and choose "Means Testing Information." Here you'll also find the most up-to-date state median income figures by family size.

What is the means test for Chapter 7?

If your income is higher than your state's median income for a similar size household, you must complete the entire bankruptcy means test form to determine whether you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. For many expenses, the means test only allows debtors to deduct certain predetermined amounts based on IRS local and national standards.

What does legal insurance cover?

These plans vary. Many cover most, if not all, of the cost of legal consultations, document preparation, and court representation in routine legal matters. Other programs cover only advice and consultation with a lawyer.

How long can you be in jail for a crime?

Constitution guarantees you the right to be represented by a lawyer in any case in which you could be incarcerated for six months or more. State constitutions may guarantee your right to a lawyer for lesser crimes.

What is legal group plan?

Employers or unions set up a fund to pay the employees’ legal fees, with the employee sometimes contributing a small co-payment. Legal group plans have become much more widespread in recent years. Some retail department stores and credit card companies even offer such plans to their customers.

Do legal aid offices have their own lawyers?

Some legal aid offices have their own staff lawyers, and others operate with volunteer lawyers. Note that people do not have a right to a free lawyer in civil legal matters. I have been accused of a crime, and I cannot afford a lawyer.

How to confirm that an attorney is licensed to practice law in a particular jurisdiction?

For the public, the best way to confirm that an attorney is licensed to practice law in a particular jurisdiction is to contact the licensing or regulatory agency in that state that grants the bar license.

What information does the state bar database have?

Generally, the state bar database provides information about the attorney's name, address, phone number, email address, education, area of practice or specialty, and years in practice.

3 attorney answers

Have you looked up this lawyer on AVVO.com.? If he or she is listed, you can find out a lot about him or her.

Gary S. Sinclair

Try checking with the local board of bar overseers. Look the lawyer up by name and it will let you know if they are legit and whether or not they have been subject to any disciplinary actions before the state bar. Good luck to you.

James Thomas Kinder

For a Virginia lawyer, be sure to use the official state agency bar association and not the voluntary lawyer membership organization - their names are a wee bit confusing. The official agency is the Va State Bar Association at- http://www.vsb.org/...

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