Planning to file for bankruptcy? Be sure to choose a bankruptcy attorney who is experienced, knowledgeable and capable of working hard for you. Choosing the right attorney is crucial to a successful bankruptcy case. Unfortunately, many bankruptcy attorneys have a large number of cases and may not be able to dedicate enough time to your bankruptcy case. When choosing your bankruptcy attorney, it’s important to ask the attorney how many cases he handles each year, each month, and whether he will have sufficient time to dedicate to your case. Ask how soon the attorney can begin working on your case.
Other good questions to ask a potential bankruptcy attorney include the following. “How many bankruptcy filings are business bankruptcy filings?” Asking this question gives you a good idea of whether the potential attorney specializes in personal or business bankruptcy. Some attorneys handle both consumer bankruptcy and corporate bankruptcy – meanwhile others handle only personal bankruptcies. Another good question to ask is “Will I be working directly with you?” If the attorney replies with a “no,” then it’s important to find out who you will be working with. If possible, ask to meet this person. You want to find out if you feel comfortable with the person you’ll be working with.
It’s important that you choose an attorney who specializes in bankruptcy. You do not want to use a generic attorney who handles a wide variety of legal cases. Be sure to ask for references if you have doubts about the attorney’s ability. A good way of finding a qualified bankruptcy attorney is to ask for references from business owners, friends, and family who might be able to recommend a qualified attorney. If you have a personal attorney, he can usually recommend an attorney who specializes in bankruptcy law.
When speaking with potential attorneys, find out what fees will be charged, and how often. It’s usually a good idea to avoid hiring the cheapest attorney. Choose an attorney whose fees are reasonable, but not too expensive. If you are uncertain what price range is considered “reasonable,” consult your local bar association. The bar association should be able to give you a reasonable price range for your local area.