A bankruptcy attorney has the ability to guide you through the entire process of filing for bankruptcy. In the process of finding a qualified professional, you want to find someone with whom you feel comfortable discussing your private financial matters, an expert in your field, and who will quote a fair price. Here are some things to consider in the process of finding a qualified bankruptcy attorney:

Make the initial contact

There are several ways to get in touch with a bankruptcy attorney, including online directories, colleagues, and friends. If you are comfortable doing this, the recommendation of a colleague or friend is a great way to find a reliable professional.

Official sites such as the National Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers Association (NACBA) and the American Bar Association (ABA) may be worth visiting. They are likely to include the type of attorneys who meet the standards required to provide a high level of service.

Try to get in touch with two or three attorneys and be sure to set up an initial conference to discuss your situation and ask relevant questions to make sure they are right for your needs.

Finding a specialist who has in-depth knowledge of this specific area of ​​law is essential to achieve the best result and avoids problems such as missing a deadline or not filing a form that could lead to the dismissal of a case.

In the process of interviewing attorneys, be sure to ask questions related to their backgrounds and the specialized training they have completed. If they can provide proof of their knowledge, such as a certification issued by the American Board of Certification, this will indicate that they know how to handle a bankruptcy case. Try to find out how many similar cases have been handled in the past. Additionally, a respected attorney has the ability to provide guidance on other options, such as credit counseling.

Cost of services

The cost of the services quoted by the bankruptcy attorney will surely be an important consideration. A Chapter 7 filing is likely to cost less than a Chapter 13. The most basic Chapter 7 case can start at about $ 500, but will increase depending on what is involved. However, more complex Chapter-related cases can reach $ 6,000 or more. It is important to get an idea of ​​the attorney’s fee structure at the first meeting to make sure they are within your price range.