How Can I find the Right Attorney for a Chapter 7 Filing?

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help you get out of overwhelming debt. If you have a debt pile up due to unforeseen circumstances such as job loss, medical issues or other financial distress, bankruptcy can help you get your life back on track and your finances in order.

Finding the Right Attorney

When you need legal help, sometimes you just do not know who is the best attorney for the job. Here are some guidelines for finding the best possible advocate to represent you during your Chapter 7 bankruptcy:

• A good attorney will give you precise fee information in an initial consultation. The fee agreement should state the exact amount of money you will be charged for filing your bankruptcy paperwork and representing you during appearances. There should not be any ambiguity as to fee terms. Bankruptcy attorneys handle this type of work everyday and should know exactly how much there services will cost due to experience.
• Most good bankruptcy attorneys will consult with you prior to taking your case in an initial free consultation. During this consultation, they will go over your finances with you and help you decide whether Chapter 7 is a good option based on the facts you present. Chapter 7 is not right for everyone, so you should not agree to a fee arrangement until you have been consulted regarding the process and your finances.
• A good attorney will return your phone calls promptly. If you do not hear back from an attorney timely prior to hiring her, you should reconsider entrusting her with your bankruptcy. An attorney who does not have a system in place for handling administrative tasks may not be able to properly deal with the careful paperwork that is required in a bankruptcy case. Plus, it is not good business practice to leave your clients waiting around for answers to their questions. Prompt response to your phone calls should be a basic business practice for a good attorney's office.

Getting Legal Advice

Getting the help of an experienced attorney to deal with your Chapter 7 bankruptcy will make the process simpler and quicker. An attorney skilled in bankruptcy law can help you make sure you include all of the appropriate debts and protect property which can legally be kept out of your bankruptcy. Because the legal process is complicated, an attorney is the best help you can seek in your current situation.