Bankruptcy Attorneys: How Do I Choose?

When financial crisis is on the horizon, it’s time to find a professional qualified to help you through the trying process of financial rehabilitation. Consider the following points when making the decision to enlist a bankruptcy attorney:

1. Free Consultation

For bankruptcy legal advice, if a bankruptcy attorney requires a consultation fee, keep looking for an attorney. Any bankruptcy attorney that truly values his clients will not insist on a consultation fee.

2. Experience and Reputation

Attorneys specialize in everything from corporate bankruptcy to criminal law, so it only makes sense that you choose the correct bankruptcy attorney. This, as well as the prospective attorney’s personal experience can be verified at a consultation (see number 1 above).

An experienced bankruptcy attorney will understand local rulings and know how to work with local creditor attorneys and judges. All attorneys get their experience in large part from working their clients’ cases. Find out how much of a guinea pig you may be before deciding on an attorney.

3. Attorney-Client Interaction and Relationship

You have to be able to talk with your attorney and feel understood in order to accomplish a successful bankruptcy outcome. A prospective bankruptcy attorney should be willing to answer your questions. You should definitely feel comfortable with the attorney that you choose to work with.

4. Size of Law Firm

It can be advantageous to choose an attorney that is affiliated with a large law firm. In many situations, bigger, more reputable law firms are more likely to have just the attorney available for your particular situation. This can be important if you’re pressed for time. Also, you are more likely to receive top priority at a larger law firm.

5. Credit Restoration

After filing bankruptcy and setting up repayment plans as necessary, you will also want to rebuild your credit. It’s important to choose an attorney that will assist you in rebuilding your financial life. He or she should be willing and able to offer assistance and tools to directly rehabilitate your credit standing and preparedness.

6. Location

Last, but not least: location, location, location. I hate being the bearer of bad news, but in most legal situations, particularly something as grueling as bankruptcy, the odds are pretty good you’ll be spending more time at your attorney’s office than you may first expect. Then again, more and more legal transactions are taking place via electronic communication of various kinds. If this suits your needs, by all means, utilize the resource.