The Things To Look For When Selecting A Bankruptcy Attorney
Filing for bankruptcy is not an easy thing to do. It can drastically impact your financial well being and prospects for the future. A bankruptcy can eliminate debt, such as in the case of a Chapter 7 filing. It can also lead to a restructuring of debt such as in Chapter 11 and Chapter 13 filings. Many emotions and lots paperwork are typically involved when filing for a bankruptcy. This includes bankruptcies for businesses and individuals. A good bankruptcy attorney can help you navigate through the bankruptcy process. They can also greatly increase the likelihood that your case will be settled and not rejected by a bankruptcy court. Below are some of the key things that you should look out for when selecting a bankruptcy attorney.
Take A Good Look At Their Credentials
Credentials are very important when choosing a bankruptcy attorney. Look for at attorney that specializes in bankruptcy. Look for membership in groups such as the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. This is an organization whose members are dedicated to practicing bankruptcy law. The organization also makes it members stay up to date with bankruptcy law changes. There is a bankruptcy attorney directory at this website where you can do research on individual lawyers and see their ratings.
On the state level look for certification from state bar associations. State certification in bankruptcy means that the attorney handles mostly bankruptcy cases, has completed an examination and has been reviewed by fellow attorneys in that state where they are certified. You should also check if the attorney has completed any additional coursework or programs in bankruptcy law. Be aware that certification in bankruptcy will vary from state to state.
Experience And Quality Matters When It Comes To Bankruptcy Lawyers
You do not want to hire at attorney for bankruptcy who does not specialize in bankruptcy cases. An attorney who handles mostly bankruptcy cases will most likely be an expert in that field. On the other hand, if an attorney handles very few bankruptcy cases then they are probably not an expert. Look for a track record of success in the attorney’s record when settling cases. Read through attorney reviews as well. The more positive reviews the attorney has the better.
The length of years an attorney has been practicing is not as important as the quality of service the attorney provides. Reviews and the number of cases settled will be a good gauge of the quality of the attorney. You should also look for bankruptcy attorneys that only handle your unique case. If you are filing for a chapter 7 bankruptcy, you should only look for attorneys that specialize in that particular type of bankruptcy.
Personality Plays A Role
You will be working with your lawyer throughout the bankruptcy. If the lawyer seems disinterested in your case, you should probably move on and select another one. Look for a lawyer who shows empathy towards your situation. Another thing to look for is professionalism and attention. You don’t want a lawyer to breeze through your case. Look for a lawyer who you feel comfortable working with and that you trust to handle your case.
The 3 Key Things To Look For In A Bankruptcy Lawyer
We discuss the most important things to look for when selecting a bankruptcy lawyer. This includes certifications, experience, quality and personality.