what to look for in a bankruptcy lawyer

by Eunice Zulauf II 5 min read

5 Things to Look for in a Bankruptcy Lawyer

  • Experience. Is this attorney experienced? ...
  • Cost. In general, you will probably find the cost between $1,000 to $3,000 depending on several variables.
  • Relationship. This leads to our next point. ...
  • Reputation. There are a lot of ways to determine what kind of reputation an attorney has. ...
  • Passion. ...

Full Answer

Are They Knowledgeable About the Process?

Bankruptcy is a lengthy and complex process, and it it takes (pardon the Liam Neeson reference) a special set of skills to help you complete every step of the journey and hold onto the assets that matter most to you.

Are They Able to Understand Your Unique Case?

No two people are alike, and it’s important to work with a legal professional who is willing to take the time to understand what makes your situation unique. Do your attorney and their team engage with you? Do they ask probing questions? Are they empathetic and eager to listen?

Is This Someone You Can Get Along With?

Now, you don’t have to be best friends with your bankruptcy attorney. But, it is essential that you find someone you can collaborate with easily, who has a communication style that fits with your own.

A Good Attorney Can Guide You Through the Bankruptcy Process

When you are thinking of filing for bankruptcy, you want to make sure that you hire a competent, skilled, experienced bankruptcy attorney who can guide you through the process. Many years back, you were able to file bankruptcy on your own if it was a simple case.

Bankruptcy Law Changed in 2005

Things changed when the law changed October 17, 2005. Everything involved with bankruptcy got more difficult. The trustees job got more difficult, the judges job got more difficult in the attorney’s job got more difficult. There are pre-filing requirements as well as post-filing requirements now.

Experience Matters

By hiring an experienced attorney, you can rest assured that your case is going to go through the system smoothly. The right attorney knows when to file, how to file and how to prepare the proper documentation to satisfy the trustee, the courts and the judges.

Protect Your Property

This is the reason why you would need an attorney more than any. The mere fact that you might have property that can be taken and sold to pay your debts is something that an experienced bankruptcy attorney will be able to spot right away.

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