Connecting with a bankruptcy attorney provides people in a difficult situation with information about the process and advocacy along the way. A bankruptcy attorney can help with the process of proposing a repayment plan or exempting certain assets from the threat of liquidation.
All too often, people make the mistake of simply hiring the first lawyer they find when conducting an internet search. It is crucial to validate the skills and capabilities of an attorney before agreeing to pay them for representation during a bankruptcy. A lawyer’s answers to the five questions below can help people gauge whether they are the right choice for their needs.
What type of bankruptcy should I pursue?
Most individuals filing for personal bankruptcy choose either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Factors including the income of the party filing and the assets that they own can influence the best option. People need to consider a lawyer’s response and their reasoning behind it when deciding if they are the right professional to hire.
What debts can I discharge?
Depending on the type of bankruptcy someone pursues, they may be able to discharge a variety of different types of debts. Discussing the financial obligations that create stress for the filer can help give them insight into whether the lawyer in question can help them maximize the benefits they derive from the bankruptcy process.
How do I communicate with you?
Every lawyer has their own standard practices when dealing with clients. Some are eager to communicate via text message and email. Others want to talk on the phone or have clients communicate with paralegals. Finding a lawyer who prioritizes an individual’s preferred forms of communication can be crucial to their comfort throughout the bankruptcy process.
What are your fees?
Cost should not be the primary consideration when deciding who to hire as a bankruptcy lawyer. More expensive lawyers do not always offer a better standard of representation, and affordability shouldn’t be the only concern. What matters is transparency and whether or not the prospective client can afford what the attorney charges.
When is the right time to file for bankruptcy?
Factors ranging from recent financial activity that could look fraudulent after a bankruptcy filing to impending creditor lawsuits can influence the right time to move forward with a bankruptcy case. An attorney should be able to advise their clients on the best time to file given their unique circumstances.
Compatibility and professional knowledge are both important considerations when preparing to hire a bankruptcy lawyer. An attorney who has the right priorities and insight can provide invaluable services to their clients before and during bankruptcy. Asking certain questions before hiring a lawyer can help optimize the benefits derived by those preparing for bankruptcy.
