How to Choose a Bankruptcy Lawyer

In a country that has fallen on hard economic times in recent history, many individuals and corporations find themselves in the inevitable and unlikely position of having to file for bankruptcy. Navigating the legal and court systems involving bankruptcy law can be confusing and downright intimidating. As such, finding a reliable bankruptcy lawyer that can help the process go more smoothly is an invaluable asset in the entire process. There are a few important things to keep in mind when looking for a bankruptcy lawyer that you can trust.

A person or corporation that is filing for bankruptcy is stating that they are no longer able to pay the debts they owe to a variety of creditors. There are different types, or chapters, of bankruptcy and they can be further classified as voluntary or involuntary. Filing for bankruptcy is a very big deal and fraud within this type of court system is defined as a federal white-collar crime in the United States. Concealment of assets or documents, destruction of paperwork, conflict of interest, false claims or declarations, and fee fixing are all illegal activities within bankruptcy cases. It is important that your bankruptcy lawyer help you avoid inadvertently committing any of these crimes.

Perhaps one of the first and most important things to consider when looking for a bankruptcy lawyer is to find someone that you feel comfortable talking to. You should be able to ask any questions you may have and feel comfortable that your concerns are adequately addressed. The client-attorney relationship is very important and can often be long-lasting if the case drags out. Find a lawyer that listens to what you say and makes an effort to address your questions and concerns.

Next, you want to check out the reputation of your bankruptcy lawyer. Some of the best attorney recommendations come from friends and family. Talk to your neighbors and loved ones to see who has used a lawyer in the past and what sort of things they liked or disliked about them. Did they feel comfortable talking to them? Did they have their questions answered? Did they receive the outcome they expected or felt they deserved? Would they use the same lawyer for future cases? Answers to these questions and more can significantly help you narrow down the attorney selection and make a wise decision.

Lastly, you want to be sure you choose an attorney that specializes in bankruptcy law. This way, the bankruptcy lawyer will be very familiar with current regulations within the court system and recent changes or amendments. Navigating the paperwork required for bankruptcy can be exhausting and intimidating, but is smooth sailing with an experienced lawyer at the helm. Be sure to choose an attorney with extensive experience in bankruptcy cases, especially the type of bankruptcy you would like to file. 

Keep these items and more in mind when researching a bankruptcy lawyer in your area.