Bankruptcy lawyers are doing a whole lot of business nowadays. Whereas this should be an advantage for anyone looking for an attorney, the number of lawyers actually makes it harder to locate the best in the lot.
There is, therefore, a need for clients to take their search seriously for better legal representation.
To help you find the best lawyer and to enable you file for bankruptcy without any disappointments, here are some factors to consider:
Your friends and relatives can come in handy when you are beginning your search. The idea is to get as many recommendations as possible so that you can have a list of candidates to choose from.
Your search for advice should be limited to those people who have hired the services of bankruptcy attorneys before. You may opt for the directory addresses you find but they are not as advantageous as having word-of-mouth recommendations.
Lawyers usually work with other lawyers, among them bankruptcy attorneys. If you know a lawyer you have worked with before, you can ask them for their opinion and advice. They might even be able to recommend the services of good attorneys they know or work with.
If you do not know any lawyers and you cannot get word-of-mouth recommendations, you can also settle for the list of the bar association in your state. With the internet here to serve us, you’re also able to hook up with a good attorney online. All you have to do is look for reviews of local attorneys.
You can narrow down your search by looking for specific bankruptcy attorneys in your state or near your area of residence. You may also opt for the actual search for an attorney, which involves visiting different law firms or offices of lawyers. This step, however, takes time.
Do not settle for a lawyer without interviewing them first. This is a necessary step as it will enable you know a bit more about the lawyer you are looking to hire for your case. Initial consultations are very helpful. Most people decide whether to hire the lawyer they interview or moving on to the next on their list at this stage. Your lawyer should be well-rounded.
She or he should know their way in and out of court. They should also have experience working with debtors, creditors and court officials. Above all, their communication skills should be unmatched, because this will be crucial in negotiating during the process.
Payment is paramount in any legal representation expect for pro-bono (free) work. Make sure that you and your lawyer work out a good and reasonable plan on how you will pay for their services. It is also wise to make a comparison of prices before you settle for any specific attorney.
This way, you can take advantage of any offers and price reductions through negotiations. Availing all materials relevant for your case is also recommended. These may include documents such as your bank statement, etcetera. The bankruptcy lawyer will then know how else you can contribute to the process.