How to Choose the Right Bankruptcy Law Firm for Your Needs

Choosing an attorney to work with you on a bankruptcy case is more complex than going to your local lawyer directory and picking the first name. You’ll want an attorney who specializes in bankruptcy.

This means they focus on bankruptcy law and are familiar with filing procedures and the rules. The lawyer should also be a National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys member or your state bar.

Experience

Suppose you are facing the prospect of wage garnishment, foreclosure, debt collection, or losing your vehicle or home. In that case, working with a bankruptcy attorney with experience is important. In addition to knowing the nuances of bankruptcy laws, your lawyer should be able to provide you with one-on-one attention throughout the process.

Avoid choosing a law firm with a slick marketing campaign that uses the term “expert in bankruptcy” or “debt solutions.” These firms are often less than reputable and may not provide the best results.

You should also consider the number of bankruptcy cases your lawyer files yearly. An attorney with too many bankruptcy cases could need more time on your case. Before hiring anyone, ask for an estimate of the fees. You can narrow down your choices. Also, ask family and friends for recommendations.

Reputation

It will help if you choose a bankruptcy attorney who is well-known and respected in your community. The attorneys and firms with the best reputations have a track record of assisting clients to become debt-free, stop wage garnishment, foreclosure, and collection attempts, protect assets, and help restructure businesses.

Hiring a  law firm Maryland specializing in bankruptcy and with experience with the specific laws in your area is also important. A full-service law firm has experience handling bankruptcy, restructuring, and insolvency cases in the United States and Canada.

It would help if you also interviewed several attorneys. Ask for client testimonials and references. During the interview, consider how easy it is to communicate with the attorney. Ask about their fees, including a fee for the initial consultation. You should also check the lawyers’ records on your state’s bar association website. Many online directories promise to find a bankruptcy attorney near you but be cautious with these sites. They often list attorneys who pay a fee in exchange for inclusion, so bring a discerning eye to any listings.

Fees

When choosing a bankruptcy law firm, ensure the attorney’s fee structure is within your budget. Some bankruptcy attorneys allow clients to pay their fees on a payment plan, while others require full payment upfront.

The best way to find the right bankruptcy attorney is to get a referral from someone you trust. Friends and family members with similar financial situations may have firsthand experience. Alternatively, you can ask around at your workplace or your church. Legal aid offices can also provide free bankruptcy representation for low-income individuals.

Beware of lawyers that dabble in several branches of law. They may need to be better versed in the nuances of bankruptcy law and may not keep up with the latest legal developments. It’s best to choose a lawyer who specializes in bankruptcy and has extensive experience handling various cases. This will ensure your case is handled correctly from start to finish. A specialized lawyer may also save you money on unnecessary fees.

Location

The right bankruptcy law firm will help you avoid debt problems and get a fresh start on the path to financial health. They can help you find alternatives to bankruptcy, such as debt consolidation loans or mortgage loan modifications, and work with you to create a long-term financial plan that meets your goals. They also know how to help you rebuild your credit after filing for bankruptcy and prevent future issues such as wage garnishment, foreclosure, or debt collection.

You can find bankruptcy attorneys by asking family or friends for a recommendation or searching the Internet for a local lawyer. The American Bar Association website has a search feature to find bankruptcy attorneys specializing in your area.

Many large law firms have bankruptcy departments, while smaller firms may focus solely on bankruptcy or creditors’ rights. It is important to choose an attorney or firm with experience in this complex area of the law, so be sure to interview several candidates before deciding.