Financial difficulties are a common struggle that many people face each year. If you're finding it hard to pay off debts, filing for bankruptcy may be a wise option to consider. But how do you determine if Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the right choice for you? After that, the next step is usually to find a bankruptcy lawyer. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one?
Here are two important factors to consider when searching for the right bankruptcy attorney:
1) Do You Qualify for Chapter 7? What is the total cost of bankruptcy?
Are you considering filing for bankruptcy, specifically Chapter 7? It's important to determine if you qualify and understand the associated costs. Luckily, you can easily do all three with the help of our calculator, which also offers a free consultation with a local attorney.
Simply use the calculator below to determine your eligibility and estimated fees:
2) How To Choose a Bankruptcy Lawyer
Declaring bankruptcy is a major decision that demands proper guidance and representation to ensure a seamless process. At our company, we prioritize our clients' welfare, and that's why we strive to connect them with the best bankruptcy lawyers. This significantly improves the chances of a favorable outcome, particularly during periods of financial strain.
So, what do we consider when selecting a bankruptcy attorney for our clients? Here are some of the crucial factors:
Referral: Have we received the attorney as a referral?
If you're considering filing for bankruptcy, it's important to make sure you have the right legal representation to accurately represent your case. Hiring a professional bankruptcy attorney who is a member of a reputable organization, such as the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, is a great way to ensure you have the right expertise on your side.
One of the most important things to look for when hiring a bankruptcy lawyer is certification. You can easily check a lawyer's credentials by visiting your state bar's website. These sites provide information on whether a lawyer has any reprimands or misconduct in their record, as well as whether they have the proper certifications to practice law.
Certification also indicates how long an attorney has been practicing law, and specifically how long they have been working on bankruptcy cases. This ensures that your attorney has the practical knowledge and experience necessary to represent your interests throughout the bankruptcy process.
By hiring a certified bankruptcy attorney, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have the right representation to guide you through this challenging process.
Reviews: What are the reviews of the bankruptcy attorney?
Getting a recommendation for a bankruptcy attorney is a great start, but it's important to remember that everyone's experience is different. That's where reviews come in handy. They can be a valuable tool in helping you find an attorney that meets your specific needs.
When looking at reviews, we focus on two key factors. First, we consider the number of reviews. Generally, the more reviews an attorney has, the more people have used their services. We also pay close attention to the ratings of those reviews. If an attorney has many positive reviews, it's a good sign that they are providing quality service.
Relevancy: Does the attorney focus solely on bankruptcy or many types of law?
If you're going through a bankruptcy process, having an experienced lawyer by your side can make a huge difference. It's important to choose an attorney who has years of experience with both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings.
It's not ideal to end up with a lawyer who is only experienced in navigating clients through Chapter 13, especially if Chapter 7 is the best option for your situation. We offer calculators for both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 to give you a preliminary idea of what might be best for you. This can help guide you in choosing a bankruptcy attorney.
However, it's worth noting that many years of practice alone do not make a good bankruptcy attorney. A competent bankruptcy attorney is someone who is not only experienced but also smart, hardworking, and mentored by experienced attorneys in the field. They must have a track record of winning most of their cases or leading to favorable decisions for their clients.
Rates: What does the attorney charge in fees? Do they offer payment plans?
When it comes to helping our clients select a bankruptcy attorney, we consider the potential costs of the entire process. It's important to keep attorney fees in mind to avoid incurring additional debts in the form of legal fees. The cost of bankruptcy fees varies depending on the attorney handling the case. Additionally, whether an individual files for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy can also impact the fee amount.
It's important to note that cheaper options may not always be the best choice. However, higher fees do not always equal better representation. Finding a balance between cost and the type of representation needed is crucial for achieving the best outcome.
Reliability: Will the attorney file everything needed in time?
Choosing the right bankruptcy attorney can be crucial to the success of your case. To ensure you make the right decision, there are three key factors you should consider.
Ability to Discuss Alternate Solutions
If you're considering filing for bankruptcy, it's important to find an ethical bankruptcy lawyer who can guide you through the process. An ethical lawyer will take the time to discuss all of your options, not just the ones that benefit them the most.
Depending on your unique situation, there may be several options available to you. For example, if you're earning a good income, it may be possible to pay off your debts without filing for bankruptcy. On the other hand, if you have nothing that creditors can take, it may be best to do nothing at all.
A competent bankruptcy lawyer should be knowledgeable about all of the available solutions and be willing to share them with you. By working with an ethical lawyer, you can make an informed decision about the best course of action for your financial situation.
Passion for the Process
When it comes to dealing with bankruptcy, having a lawyer who is empathetic and passionate can make all the difference. It's important to find an attorney who not only has the legal expertise but also cares about their clients' well-being.
A genuine bankruptcy lawyer will always exude confidence and passion for the work at hand. They find bankruptcy cases fascinating and are dedicated to helping their clients achieve the best possible outcome. This passion and dedication can go a long way in calming the nerves of a client and affirming confidence that everything will pan out well.
On the other hand, a lawyer who appears aloof or out of touch with the predicament at hand can make the bankruptcy process even more stressful. That's why it's crucial to find an attorney who is not only knowledgeable but also empathetic and passionate about their work.
An Understanding Attorney
When financial troubles become overwhelming, many people turn to bankruptcy as a last resort. It's a difficult time, and finding the right attorney is crucial.
A bankruptcy lawyer needs to have empathy and understanding to navigate the emotional strain of the situation. They should be able to ask tough questions while still showing compassion.
It's also important for the lawyer to communicate clearly and concisely. During the initial meeting, it's essential to ask about their success rate and how long it typically takes to resolve a case. Additionally, it's important to know how accessible the attorney will be and who the primary contact will be.
If you don't feel comfortable with the lawyer after the first meeting, it's okay to seek out another one who better fits your needs.
Conclusion
When facing financial hardship, finding a trustworthy bankruptcy lawyer can make all the difference. But how do you find the right one? The answer is simple: talk to people who have gone through the same experience. Referrals provide valuable insight into a lawyer's strengths and weaknesses. By speaking to at least six people, you increase your chances of finding a good lead.
Another useful tool is the bankruptcy attorney fee calculator below. It can help you estimate your qualification and understand the fees in your area.
Bankruptcy is a challenging process, but with the right lawyer, it can be a little easier to bear. Trust the experiences of others and use available resources to find the right attorney for you.