A bankruptcy attorney has the ability to guide you through the entire process of filing for bankruptcy. In the process of looking for the skilled professional, you want to find someone who you are comfortable discussing your private financial matters with, an expert in their field and will quote a fair price. Here are a few things to consider in the process of finding a skilled bankruptcy attorney:
Make the initial contact
There are several ways to get in touch with a bankruptcy attorney, including online directories, colleagues and friends. If you feel comfortable doing so, a recommendation from a colleague or friend is a great way to find a reliable professional.
It may be worth visiting official sites like the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) and the American Bar Association (ABA). They are likely to include the type of lawyers that meet the required standards to provide a high level of service.
Try to get in touch with two or three attorneys and make sure to arrange an initial conference to discuss your situation and ask relevant question to make sure they are right for your needs.
Finding a specialist that has deep knowledge of this specific area of law is essential to achieve the best result, and avoids issues like a missing a deadline or not filing a form that could lead to a case being thrown out.
In the process of interviewing the attorney’s make sure to ask questions related to their background and what specialized training they have completed. If they are able to provide proof of their knowledge, such as a certification issued by the American Board of Certification then this will indicate they know how to handle a bankruptcy case. Try to find out the number of similar cases handled in the past. Also, a respected attorney has the ability to give guidance on other options, such as credit counseling.
Cost of services
The cost of the services quoted by the bankruptcy attorney is certain to be a major consideration. A Chapter 7 filing is likely to cost less than a Chapter 13. The most basic Chapter 7 case may start at about $500, but will increase depending on what is involved. However, the more complex cases related to Chapter can reach $6,000 or more. It is important to get an idea of the attorney’s fee structure at the first meeting to make sure they are within your price range.
