How to Hire a Good Bankruptcy Lawyer

Bankruptcy cases can get complicated very fast. One error in filing the petition or the accompanying paperwork; and your case can be delayed indefinitely. One also needs sufficient knowledge of bankruptcy laws to handle the case properly. For these reasons, it is important to hire a good bankruptcy lawyer to help you with your case.

Consider these tips to find a good bankruptcy lawyer.

Perform Adequate Research

You may feel like getting through the bankruptcy petition and hearings without delay. So, you may err on hiring a lawyer without adequate research on your part. But such a mistake can be extremely harmful for your case. Yes, you can ask for referrals from people you know. But it is important to perform sufficient research on your part too as only you can know the value the bankruptcy petition holds for you.

Begin with online searches to find websites of bankruptcy lawyers in your local area. You can use keywords such as bankruptcy lawyers near me to get some good search results. Check the websites of the lawyers you find this way including any referrals. Checking the websites of law firms can give you a fairly good idea about everything you need to know about the lawyers before approaching them.

Pay Attention to Expertise and Experience

When checking the websites of law firms; pay special attention to the lawyers’ experience and expertise in handling bankruptcy cases. Read their profiles and any information you can find on the kind of bankruptcy cases they handle or have handled in the past.

For instance, if you wish to file for Chapter 7 then your lawyer needs to have adequate expertise and experience in handling such cases. An experienced lawyer will also be able to tell you if another approach may be better for you. You also need to know if filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is viable for you depending on your location and case specifics.

If you are a small business owner then it is must that you work with a lawyer who has experience in handling bankruptcy cases in the same category. Bankruptcy cases can differ depending on the nature of the business and what the laws say about the same. So, ensure that the lawyer you wish to hire has the expertise and the experience to help you out with bankruptcy cases of similar nature as your own.

Some bankruptcy lawyers also have trial experience before they began their current practice. If your case is particularly complicated, you may want a tough negotiator and a lawyer who can take on the creditors and trustees with ease.

Schedule a Free Consultation

 Reputed lawyers offer free consulting sessions to their prospective clients in order to clarify doubts on both ends. It also helps the lawyers to tell you if your case has any merit. You can also see if you find the lawyer the perfect fit for your case.

It is important that you use the time during the consulting sessions to discuss your case with the lawyers in as much details as possible. Ensure that you do not skip out on mentioning vital information related to the case. If a lawyer will be interested in taking on your case then he or she may let you know then.

You can also ask the lawyers about their fees during the consulting session. When you are battling bankruptcy and financial stress than paying a lawyer’s fee may seem like an impossible task. So, ensure that you can afford to hire the lawyer before actually doing so.

Make the Final Decision

Once you have met up with all the lawyers on your list, take some time to assess your findings.

It is best to choose a lawyer who you feel connected the best with your case. Compare this with the lawyer’s experience and expertise in handling bankruptcy cases. The lawyers’ fee should be your last criteria for the selection process. A lawyer’s competency is a more important consideration when you need to successfully file for bankruptcy.

Once you have assessed the information of your research and consultation properly, you will be able to make the right decision to hire the best lawyer for your case.