What am I Getting When I Pay for a California Bankruptcy Attorney?

With bankruptcies across the country at record levels, the demand for experienced and effective bankruptcy attorneys has risen as well. This demand has also opened the door for shops which present themselves as attorney-driven bankruptcy firms but actually function as document processors with little interest in delivering benefits to their clients. These types of shops typically advertise as discounters, trying to win business on price alone. To that end, hiring representation for a bankruptcy proceeding is literally a “get what you pay for” situation with wide range of potential outcomes.

These different outcomes depend on what the firm is actually doing in the bankruptcy case, whether an attorney is actually handling the case, and the wherewithal of the bankruptcy attorney to achieve the highest level of benefits for the client.      

Before interviewing for a bankruptcy attorney, it is important to know what to expect from your attorney during the bankruptcy process. The actions provided by your bankruptcy attorney should include:

• The attorney will first work to get a complete understanding of your financial circumstances.
• By understanding your personal situation, the attorney will then work to determine whether filing for bankruptcy provides the best solution versus other forms of debt relief.
•  If bankruptcy is found to be the best option, the bankruptcy attorney will then determine whether a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 will provide the best outcome.
• If a Chapter 7 filing is found to be the best solution, the attorney will provide assistance with the means test to ensure eligibility.
• A qualified bankruptcy attorney will make sure that the case is conducted in accordance with state and federal laws with all documents completed and submitted according to court protocols.
• The attorney will make sure that everything is done to maximize your outcome whether the situation calls for lien stripping, auto loan cram downs, the complete discharge of unsecured debts, and a host of other benefits as provided by the bankruptcy code.
• A bankruptcy attorney will accompany you to creditor meetings.
• Finally, a bankruptcy lawyer will represent your interests to the fullest extent possible in bankruptcy court.

Paying for the services of a highly qualified and effective California bankruptcy attorney is likely to cost more than engaging the services of a bankruptcy shop. The end result of quality representation is well worth the added up front expense considering the value of benefits achieved in the process, which can be worth many thousands of dollars in your pocket. For a free evaluation of your financial circumstances to find whether you can benefit from a bankruptcy filing, call the attorneys at Zhou & Chini.