11/18/2020

How to Choose a Bankruptcy Lawyer

Are you in debt? Think you need help, but don't know where to turn? First, you're not alone. Choosing the right bankruptcy attorney can make all the difference.

Most of our clients are referred to us through other clients, attorneys or even creditors
to whom they owe money. While it is uncomfortable to discuss debt and financial trouble with others, you may be surprised to find how many others have been in your position and would be happy to share their story and the name of their attorney.

If you are not comfortable asking for advice about bankruptcy - don’t worry! There are other ways to find a competent bankruptcy attorney.

How to choose a bankruptcy lawyer

Choosing the right bankruptcy lawyer comes down to a few main components; trust, attention and knowledge of the law. So, how do you find the right lawyer?

Do your research

After referral, a common way to find an attorney is to search on the internet. Online searching can be daunting. Some attorneys have large advertising budgets and pay to have their firms listed at the top of online directories and other search engines. How do you know if the attorneys you are finding on the internet are reputable and competent or will be a good fit for your situation?

How do I know who to choose?

The best bankruptcy attorneys have both knowledge of the law and the communication skills to keep you informed each step of the way. Here are some things to look:

How long has the attorney been practicing?
How many cases has the attorney filed?
If you are looking at online reviews, are they genuine and helpful?
Is the lawyer accessible or are you guided by a staff member or legal assistant?
Does the lawyer mainly practice bankruptcy or do they boast a plethora of practice areas?
Is the attorney a member of any bankruptcy-specific bar associations such as the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys or the American Bankruptcy Institute?

Interview the attorney

Most bankruptcy attorneys offer consultations at no cost to you. After your meeting with the attorney ask yourself:

Does the attorney have the necessary expertise for your particular circumstances?
Did the attorney discuss all chapters of the bankruptcy code that might apply to your circumstances?
Did the lawyer ask you to bring documentation sufficient to analyze your financial situation?
Does the attorney only take chapter 7 cases? Did he or she also explain other types of debt relief such as debt reorganization, loss mitigation and chapter 13 options? Be wary of bankruptcy attorneys who will only file under certain chapters and not others.
Were you comfortable with the attorney?
Was the attorney empathetic to your situation?
Did the attorney listen to what you had to say and answer your questions until you understood your options?
Did you understand the fee structure?
Does the fee seem to make sense for the level of complexity of your situation?
Was the attorney receptive to questions about non-bankruptcy options you might have?

Remember that knowledge of bankruptcy law and practice is essential in an attorney. Since bankruptcy is a complex area of law, you want to ensure your attorney is well-versed in all areas of the Bankruptcy Code. Aside from a firm grasp of the law, you’ll need an attorney that internalizes your needs and is compassionate to your situation.

If you are in need of assistance, don’t be afraid to reach out to us. You can reach us by phone Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm at (518) 782-9100, or by email at info@pmblawpc.com. Contact us today and get the fresh start you deserve.

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15 Comments

Eli Richardson link

1/8/2021 09:07:42 am

I like how you mentioned that the best thing to do when looking for an attorney is to interview him first. A friend is looking for an attorney. He's dealing with some delicate issues, and he decided it'll be better to hire a professional. He's worried he won't find a reliable lawyer. So I think this guide will help him choose the right one. You did a great job explaining how to choose a bankruptcy lawyer.

Zachary Tomlinson link

1/18/2021 09:54:14 am

I like your suggestion of hiring a bankruptcy expert that has the experience and could give you suggestions on how to handle financial issues. I have a cousin who's currently in a pinch after getting scammed online. He should probably reach out to one of these experts so he could stand on his feet again.

Adam Golightly link

2/23/2021 11:14:46 am

My cousin has been thinking about applying for bankruptcy because she can't provide for her family, and lost her job. She would really like to get some help from a professional in order to make sure that it can be done correctly. I liked what you said about how they should be fit for her situation, been practicing for a long time, and what cases they have won.

Kristofer Van Wagner link

3/15/2021 11:32:09 am

I do agree that when looking for a bankruptcy attorney, it is advisable for us to hire someone with experience. It makes sense for us to choose someone with experience as it will guarantee us that they are capable of handling our case. Since my brother is planning to apply for chapter 7 bankruptcy and looking for an employment in the future, I will definitely encourage him to hire an attorney to help with his case.

Charlotte Fleet link

3/31/2021 01:54:25 pm

My dad wants to hire a bankruptcy attorney. I love your suggestion to find an attorney that has been practicing for a while. I will pass all of your tips along to my dad so he can find a good attorney.

Tez link

5/19/2021 07:05:35 pm

I like your bankruptcy tips. I need to get a lawyer. We need to declare chapter 7.

Braden Bills link

6/21/2021 07:03:26 am

I've been having a hard time with debts, and I'm not sure what to do about it. It makes sense that I would want to consider getting an attorney to help me out with this. They would be able to ensure that I handle things properly.

Beverly Minyard link

7/16/2021 07:55:13 am

I like your tip to make sure that you will be able to access your lawyer and not just a staff member or legal assistant. My brother-in-law has been looking for a bankruptcy lawyer after his company failed. I will send him this article and maybe it will help him in his search.

Mia Evans link

7/20/2021 09:35:47 pm

Thanks for pointing out that we should research well online for the right attorney for us that we can afford as well. I will do that since I really need their help. It's because of the debt I have with my credit card company which I am unable to pay because my earnings are not enough.

Chance Cook link

7/23/2021 07:00:51 am

It's good to know that most consultations don't cost anything. I was worried I'd go broke just by interviewing different lawyers. So I'll see what I can do about finding some this weekend to meet with and talking to them.

Hailey Miller link

9/3/2021 08:26:12 pm

Thanks for pointing out that choosing the right attorney can help us avoid wasting our time and money. This is helpful because my husband and I are having financial troubles since the COVID-19 pandemic started. With this, we will be looking for a reliable attorney who can help us by advising us about bankruptcy law since we cannot pay our debts and loans.

Andreas Michalis link

9/15/2021 02:01:28 am

Your post is absolutely unique and informational. Keep sharing this type of post.

marygal link

10/2/2021 02:14:30 pm

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Al Rowaad Advocates & Legal Consultants link

10/13/2021 11:21:06 pm

That was great information. Choosing online lawyers can definitely help in getting a great deal of advice.

Sabrina Addams link

10/14/2021 10:04:38 am

I liked how you recommended doing some in depth research on your attorney. My friend is nearing bankruptcy and is thinking about hiring a lawyer to help him out. I think knowing the attorney and their experience will help him to find someone who will be the right fit for him.

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