If you find yourself as one of millions of Americans who are today thinking of filing for bankruptcy, picking a good chapter 7 lawyer could be very important to your case. The fact is that while hiring a lawyer could be expensive, it is the kind of process that requires a high attention to detail and also a knowledge of court practices and significant paperwork, so the right lawyer can make all the difference.
Usually, you might find a chapter 7 lawyer through asking other people you know. This can be hard since declaring bankruptcy still has something of a stigma attached to it, and it can feel very embarrassing to admit to someone that you are in need of a bankruptcy lawyer. But keep in mind that many people are just a couple paychecks away from bankruptcy themselves these days, so it’s likely that more people than you know have already talked to lawyer or considered bankruptcy themselves.
Getting a recommendation is one way. Another way is to contact your local bar association which his the professional organization of lawyers in your town or state. Most lawyers are members and you might think twice about hiring someone who isn’t a member! Also these groups usually have specialty groups for different practice areas like bankruptcy, so see if you can find the name of lawyers who are members of that subgroup.
When you talk to the bar association, find out if they have a referral service. Usually lawyers also join the referral service so that when consumers call, their names are on the list. Lawyers on these lists also sometimes provide free or low cast initial consultation through these services.
You can always find a chapter 7 lawyer through the yellow pages or by checking online. But if you choose this method, it is more like throwing a dart. BE sure to check what organizations the lawyers list on their website, how long they’ve been practicing bankruptcy law. sometimes these lawyers will publish articles too, and gain recognition in their area of practice.
Once you find a few names that sound good, set up an appointment with each lawyer. If they don’t offer a free initial consultation, then skip to the next lawyer. In bankruptcy, getting a half hour free up front is fairly standard in most areas of the country. When you meet them, determine who you feel most comfortable with, the lawyer that gives you the most thorough information, and listens to your personal, individual situation. It’s a lot like choosing a doctor. You don’t want a lawyer who just tells you to file without going over options, or who seems to think in cookie-cutter mode. Every person’s financial situation is different, and considering what you’ll be paying this person, you deserve personal attention.
As for the cost of bankruptcy, regardless of what chapter you file under, it’s likely that you’ll pay at least $2,000 plus the court’s fees. You may also pay for copying, FedEx or other costs. if you have a complicated financial picture the costs could go higher. This fee may vary around the country, but if you’re meeting with a few lawyers, you’ll see right away what the going rate is in your region. Any good bankruptcy attorney will also tell you right up front what they estimate your total costs will be.
Hiring a Chapter 7 lawyer is an important step, so be sure to ask around, meet with a few different people, and find the person that is the right fit for you.
