How to Choose a Chapter 13 Lawyer

Hiring the right Chapter 13 lawyer for your bankruptcy is an important step in getting your financial life back together. Due to the current economic slump in the U.S. and globally, many individuals are having a hard time making ends meet. Housing and job woes are just a couple of the issues plaguing people around the world. Many responsible and hard working citizens are finding themselves in a predicament that they never would’ve imagined a few years back. They may feel depressed, ashamed and anxious. Their relationships and health may be suffering from the weight of their money troubles. Rarely are people elated to find themselves with no other choice but to declare bankruptcy. It’s a difficult time in one’s life, emotionally as well economically. Finding the best attorney to guide one through the legal steps can streamline the process. Here are some things to think about:

- Specializes in bankruptcies: It’s important to find an attorney who specializes in helping his or her clients maneuver their ways out of red ink. Hiring a general lawyer who practices a bit in every arena of the law will not be as satisfactory. The law practices who make it their business to become experts regarding Chapter 13, 7, 11, as well as strategic defaults and other economic hardship resolutions will be the ones to hire.

- Reputation: It’s helpful to get some word-of-mouth references before setting up the initial consultation. So many people are in this situation these days, getting a referral from a friend or family member shouldn’t be too difficult.

- Experienced: The more experience an attorney has in this arena, the better. Bankruptcies are complicated and each one is unique. The more cases a lawyer has dealt with, the more knowledge and savvy he or she will be able to provide.

- Local: Hiring a local law firm to handle a case is a wiser step than a national chain that advertises on daytime television. Those big firms may have the bucks to spend on advertising, but they may not be able to provide the support of a neighbor or community member. Besides, keeping one’s money in one’s own community will keep hometown budgets more vibrant during this tough time for municipal budgeting. A local professional will spend the dollars he or she makes in legal fees in the town shops, will pay local taxes to support the public libraries and school systems.

- Sensitive: While many who are hiring an attorney might not consider sensitivity when hiring a legal representative, it is important. In emotionally wrought cases such as bankruptcies, the trait of sensitivity is imperative. Even the toughest person will be put through the emotional wringer when throwing in his or her financial towel. Having a lawyer who understands this will truly be a relief.

- Takes installment payments: It’s helpful to find a law practice who will allow clients to pay their legal fees over a period of months. Many individuals who are facing Chapter 13 are strapped for cash. Having a bit of flexibility with the repayment schedule can help.

Going through a bankruptcy can be stressful. Hiring a Chapter 13 lawyer who specializes in bankruptcies, is reputable, experienced, local, sensitive and flexible with payments can make a big difference.