What To Do When Your Bankruptcy Lawyer Makes A Mistake

If you find that your personal debts have become unmanageable, there is no shame in consulting with a bankruptcy lawyer. High interest rates, unreasonable penalties, and stagnant wages are making it difficult for people to pay off debts as well as provide for their family's basic needs. People can file independently or with the assistance of a legal representative. However, if you do hire an attorney, it is important to choose the firm carefully to avoid potential filing errors.

Since chapter 7 bankruptcies are on the rise, many attorneys have been advertising special low priced services to attract more clients. The problem is they receive a high volume of applications and phone calls, giving them less time to devote to each individual case. Many consumers have reported poor service and blatant errors on their documents. The whole point of hiring a bankruptcy lawyer is to help you ensure you've listed all outstanding debts correctly to avoid being left with bills you cannot afford. If a creditor is erroneously omitted from the list, it will not be discharged which may lead to consequences. To avoid these problems, be sure to pick an organized attorney whose focus in on their current client rather than advertising for more business.

Even if an attorney makes a mistake, it is still the client's responsibility to review all information before submission. You don't have to be a legal expert to spot errors such as an incorrect income or missing creditors. Walk through the paperwork at least once with your bankruptcy lawyer to be sure you both are clear on the debts listed, what will not be discharged, and how your assets will be affected. Pay special attention to the creditors as your debt may have been handed over to a separate collection agency, which will have a different title than what you might be anticipating.

So what can you do if your bankruptcy lawyer does something incorrectly? Point any problems out immediately, especially before filing. Ask them to present you with the documents again until the problem is corrected and you've approved. If you discover later that a creditor was left out and are suddenly receiving harassing calls again, you'll need to have your paperwork amended by the courts. It is a fairly common occurrence, but you should take action immediately. If you are having serious difficulties getting a hold of your attorney or there is much miscommunication, it may be best to find someone else for the job. If the attorney works as part of a larger firm, bring up your complaints the manager who may be able to help you.

After you file, remember that the key to future financial success is learning better money management, changing your spending habits, and adjusting your lifestyle. Your attorney should give you some tips and information regarding resources that can help you rebuild your credit as well as how to start saving money rather than burning through it. If you have filed independently, don't underestimate the value of a financial advisor.