5 Tips For Hiring A Good Chapter 7 Lawyer
Have you decided it’s time to file bankruptcy? If so, the very first thing you will need to do is hire a reputable Chapter 7 lawyer. These special attorneys are skilled in understanding the various details of this specific filing.
It’s true almost all bankruptcy attorneys handle both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, but each of these is marked by specific details. That’s why it’s probably a good idea to hire someone who is trained in one or the other – whichever you need to file.
How do you find the right person for the job? Here are five areas to focus on.
1) Experience. The first crucial item you should look for is how long has the attorney been in practice and how many specific Chapter 7 cases has he or she has handled. They will know when is the best time to file, what is the best way to file, and many other precise procedures that will need to be adhered to in the federal court process. This sort of experience can only be gained through years of practicing the law.
2) Organization. If you go into the court system without having all of your paperwork organized, you may discover you may not even qualify to file. This is where a good Chapter 7 lawyer would certainly prove the most beneficial. Organized paperwork and a little research will also help obtain the very best representation possible simply because you’ll know what you need for your case. It also helps you save time and money because you’ll spend less time paying your attorney for his or her services.
3) Interview. Speak with your Chapter 7 lawyer before you ever consider hiring them. Ask them every question you can think of – the harder the better. There should be a comfortable feeling about abilities between you two and with the whole staff.
4) Finances. This is vital because you’re probably filing bankruptcy in the first place because you’re challenged financially. Always remember, even though you will need to spend money on an attorney initially, in the long run it will definitely save you money.
5) Focus. It can’t be stressed enough how important it is for you to focus on hiring only a Chapter 7 lawyer. One who can handle these cases will most likely advertise they can. If this isn’t their expertise, they probably won’t say they can in their advertisement. Stick with those who say they have experience in this particular area, and you’ll be fine.
If you feel uneasy about asking your friends for a referral or even checking online, a good place to find a Chapter 7 lawyer is your local bar association. They will be able to tell you if your choice of attorney is in good standing. Armed with this information, you can then feel free to begin your interview to see if he or she is the right fit for you.