Selecting Your Ideal Bankruptcy Firm

Before choosing a bankruptcy firm, you will need to take the time to prepare yourself. Write out a list that includes the entirety of your debt, including outstanding medical bills, credit cards, mortgage and car loans. Additionally, you’ll need to gather your tax returns from the past 5 years, along with your spouse’s financial records in order to ensure you have a everything in order once you begin interviewing prospective attorneys. In this article, we will offer up a few tips and tricks to help you find the bankruptcy firm that’s right for you!

Step 1 – Choose a practice in the state where your bankruptcy will be filed. In most cases, you will have to select an attorney in the state in which you reside, however, if you have recently moved to a new area within the past couple months, you may be potentially able to hire an attorney from your previous state.

Step 2 – Obtain references. Talk to any family, friends or co-workers who have dealt with the filing process in the past. Ask for references and recommendations for attorneys in your area. Word of mouth is a wonderful way to find quality services, and this instance is far from exception. If you are unable to obtain any recommendations from these sources, hop online and look for attorneys there. These days, there are a variety of user-submitted ratings and review sites designed to help consumers acquire quality services. Use these sites to look up any recommendations you may have been provided, while keeping an eye open for reputable attorneys whom you may not have heard of prior. Regardless of where you happen to locate your firm, you will want to check them out online to see if you are able to find any feedback from past clients.

Step 3 – Call up a few attorneys to schedule initial consultations. While most firms offer these meetings free of charge, others may cost you. Try and avoid these cost-consultations and keep your eye focused on attorneys who are wiling and interested in helping you out.

Step 4 – Bring a list of questions to the consultation. This will enable you to gain a face to face perception of the attorney. Pay attention, noting whether they are straightforward when asked specific questions regarding your case. Take the time to ask questions regarding the attorney’s experience and education levels, as well as how many cases they handle per year and the general outcome of cases that have been similar to yours.

Step 5 – Prior to signing an agreement, be sure to obtain everything in writing, making certain that your outline includes information pertaining to policies and fees. If the attorney is unable to provide you with the information in writing, it’s very likely a red flag.

Step 6 – When selecting a firm, you need to feel comfortable and confident in your decision. If you do not connect or feel a good rapport between the attorney and yourself, it’s likely time to start fresh with someone new.