What Should I Look for When Choosing a Good Bankruptcy Lawyer
Written by Robert DeMarco
Bankruptcy is a complex topic to talk about, much less think about. But when life throws you tough decisions like these, sometimes they are unavoidable. If you’re in this position and looking for bankruptcy advice, the best thing to do is find someone who knows what they’re talking about; someone with experience in the field.
In this blog post, we will go over finding the right lawyer and what qualities they should have. We’ll also talk about some of the benefits of having a bankruptcy attorney by your side, as well as some tips for figuring out if you need one or not! If you’re looking for a good bankruptcy lawyer, then we’ve got you covered.
How Do I Find a Reputable Bankruptcy Lawyer in My Area?
One of the most stressful situations that a person can experience is going through bankruptcy. It’s hard to know where to start and even harder knowing what to do next. Looking for a reputable bankruptcy lawyer in your area can be daunting, so here are the things to look for in a good bankruptcy lawyer:
-
Has a lot of experience in bankruptcy cases
A good bankruptcy lawyer should have at least a couple of years of experience in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, or Chapter 11 Bankruptcy cases. They’ll know all the ins and outs of how to handle your case, what you can expect from the process, and more! Bankruptcy law can sometimes get pretty complicated, so having someone on your side who knows what they’re talking about is highly beneficial!
An experienced attorney specializing in bankruptcy will know how to file all necessary paperwork for filing Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcies efficiently and quickly so nothing gets delayed due to technicalities; they should have a good rapport from working with The United States Trustee as well as Clerk’s offices at both federal district courts and the bankruptcy court; they should also know what creditors are looking for when filing an adversary proceeding, how to file a motion to compel debtors’ compliance with their bankruptcy plan so as not to slow down the process, etc.
-
A member of NACBA (National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys)
It would be best to look for a bankruptcy lawyer who is a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) since they have passed an evaluation to be accredited by this organization and must abide by certain standards for handling cases. The NACBA has a search tool on their site where you can find out about different lawyers in your area who are members, what type of law they practice, as well as read reviews from past clients, which may help give you peace of mind when deciding on someone to work with. You can also contact them directly if you would like additional information or prefer to work with someone not listed through their directory, which only contains attorneys who wish to be included there.
-
A bankruptcy attorney that will not charge you an arm and a leg for their services
You should be able to find someone who charges reasonable rates, typically between $500-$1500, depending upon the complexity of your case. In some circumstances, filing fees may also have to be paid, which can range from several hundred dollars up to around $2000 in total costs per chapter that they are being filed under (Chapter 13 has a slightly higher cost than Chapter 11). If this is something that will financially strain you, then it’s essential to speak with them about available options so they can advise if having representation makes sense for your specific situation. Also, note: if you cannot afford to hire a lawyer and qualify for free legal assistance, then it might be worth your time looking into this option as well.
-
A local bankruptcy attorney
Local attorneys are more available for contact, appointments, and advice than those who live further away. If your case is in a particular court or jurisdiction, it’s vital that you choose someone familiar with this type of proceedings. You don’t want an out-of-town lawyer handling your case when plenty of experienced local professionals are around. A good bankruptcy lawyer will also know how much time they need to spend on each client’s case, saving money for both parties involved if necessary.
-
Willing to meet with you free of charge for an initial free consultation
This is not a test or trick; most lawyers offer potential clients this service. If they do not, then it is probably best to look elsewhere. A good lawyer will not charge you anything to meet with them and discuss your case. They might also offer a free initial bankruptcy consultation or some other form of free, no-obligation service that allows you the chance to get an idea of what they’re like before spending any money on their services. A good bankruptcy lawyer should be willing to work with you and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
-
Experienced in both consumer (individual) and business bankruptcies
If someone has only ever represented one type of bankruptcy client, then it’s unlikely they can provide specialized advice about your unique situation. The more experience someone has had with different kinds of cases under their belt, the better equipped to help guide you through yours. Someone who specializes specifically in consumer bankruptcies rather than commercial ones is likely going to be helpful as well.
-
Willing to explain the different types of bankruptcy and your options
Every case has its own story and set of circumstances. One person’s situation might be different from the next, but a good bankruptcy lawyer will help walk you through all your options before making any decisions.
-
A bankruptcy attorney that will let you make decisions
Sometimes people feel like they don’t have control over their lives anymore after going through tough times like these, and it can lead them to make some poor decisions if someone with experience in this area does not adequately guide them. Make sure that whatever decision you choose, whether choosing which type of bankruptcy with an attorney, that whoever is telling you what to do knows precisely how it works so there are no surprises later down the road!
-
Has a good track record of positive reviews.
Has an established track record of success on Google or Yelp reviews from previous clients who have been through the same situation as yourself. If possible, read at least three client testimonials before deciding which attorney would be best suited for your needs. Remember that there may be better attorneys out there than those listed online, so do not give up if one particular lawyer does not seem like a good fit after speaking with them over the phone! You should feel confident in your choice when hiring someone since bankruptcy can potentially impact every aspect of your life. Lastly, before you hire an attorney, it is essential to determine what percentage of the fees will be taken from the final settlement you receive through bankruptcy court.
-
A lawyer that is easy to communicate with and open about fees
If they’re challenging to get ahold of or only want to take on your case if it’s going to make them enough profit, then don’t hire this person! You should be able to trust an attorney who wants what’s best for their clients without trying too hard at getting something out of every single one.
-
Someone who respects your needs and goals while still providing great advice during tough times
Look for someone who can offer assistance when needed but also doesn’t try pushing their agenda onto you based on past mistakes they’ve made themselves. They should have a solid track record overall, as well as an excellent understanding of the laws in your state.
-
Willing to answer any questions and address any concerns
The more open-minded they are about hearing new ideas or making changes as needed, the better. If an attorney has already made up their mind about how things should go without asking for input from those involved, then it might be time to start looking for a new lawyer.
-
A bankruptcy attorney who will fight to get you the results that you deserve
A good bankruptcy lawyer can help guide your case in such a way that it helps achieve the best possible outcome, no matter what obstacles come your way. It’s essential to find someone with experience and expertise when navigating these sorts of cases, so things go as smoothly as possible!
If you do some research on your own before hiring someone, these characteristics will become very apparent pretty quickly! Once again, though – always look at experience first. If they don’t have that under their belt yet, or starting in practice but still trying to figure things out (which is ok), then it’s probably best to wait until they get more experienced/more time practicing before taking them on as counsel. You want someone who knows what they’re doing; otherwise, you could end up just throwing away your money on a new lawyer.
What Are Some Benefits I Receive when Hiring a Good Bankruptcy Lawyer?
You can find someone to help guide you through this process without feeling overwhelmed or confused, which is probably one of the biggest reasons why so many people decide to hire professionals instead of handling it all on their own. Even if you have already declared bankruptcy before and aren’t sure what options are available at present, there’s no reason not to consult with a legal professional, just in case things have changed! They should be able to explain everything clearly enough that even someone who isn’t well-versed in law will understand every step along the way.
If this sounds like a lot, don’t worry! Let us know how we can help, and our team here at Demarco Mitchell, PLLC, would be happy to assist with any questions or needs you may have related to filing for bankruptcy in Plano, Texas! We are standing by, ready to answer all of your concerns regarding hiring someone who has experience dealing with cases similar to yours, so do not hesitate to contact us today if necessary!
Related Articles
Related
Chapter 7 Attorney: A Guide to Navigating Bankruptcy and Choosing the Right Legal Representation
Chapter 7 Attorney: A Guide to Navigating Bankruptcy and Choosing the Right Legal Representation Are you considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy? Navigating through the complexities of bankruptcy law can be overwhelming, but with the help of a knowledgeable...
Navigating Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Texas: Key Roles of a Texas Bankruptcy Lawyer and When to Consult One
Navigating Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Texas: Key Roles of a Texas Bankruptcy Lawyer and When to Consult One Are you grappling with overwhelming debts and contemplating bankruptcy as a possible way out? Are you unsure about the proceedings and when to take that pivotal...
Understanding the Different Types of Bankruptcy for Individuals in Texas
Understanding the Different Types of Bankruptcy for Individuals in Texas If you're struggling with debt and considering bankruptcy as a solution, it's essential to understand the different types of bankruptcy available for individuals in Texas. At DeMarco Mitchell,...