Unless you are experiencing financial difficulties, you probably don’t need an attorney’s help to file for bankruptcy. But even if you qualify, there are still reasons to consider using an attorney instead of doing it yourself. Even if you’re certain that you’ll never need an attorney after your bankruptcy has been discharged (and sometimes even if you won’t), it’s a good idea to get one in advance just in case something comes up. This can help ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible and can give you peace of mind while you wait for the result of your bankruptcy petition.
While the typical local bar association charges about $250 for Chapter 7 bankruptcy legal assistance, attorney fees can differ widely. The cost that you pay a lawyer to prepare your bankruptcy varies on a variety of factors, including the area in which you live, your individual case, the sophistication of your issue, and the expertise level of your lawyer. It’s also a good idea to talk to some lawyers and see who they recommend for your area. Some law firms offer “pro bono” or free consultations – these lawyers usually work for no charge, because they represent the law firm in question and are available to answer questions for free. If you find a pro Bono lawyer, make sure that he or she is also willing to deal with your specific circumstances, because it can be difficult to find an attorney willing to take on your case.
If you have filed a chapter 13 bankruptcy petition, you’ve likely been advised not to speak with your creditors directly. This is because doing so could lead to further trouble, such as collection calls, or worse, repossession of your home. It’s also not recommended to contact your creditors directly after filing because it can make the whole process seem haphazard. For this reason, you should contact your attorney instead. Your attorney will know what to say to your creditors (and what not to say), and will also be able to help you decide how much time you should spend in attempting to resolve your bankruptcy case.
The main reason to use an attorney when dealing with the chapter 13 bankruptcy process is that your case will be handled more efficiently. Attorneys are experienced at handling these types of cases. They know all of the technical and basic laws that apply to your state. Additionally, they will know exactly which forms need to be filed in your state, which documents need to be submitted, and which forms must be attached to those documents. With this level of experience, an attorney can ensure that your filing is properly completed and filed.
If you’re trying to deal with the stress and hassle that come with filing for bankruptcy, using an attorney can make things seem less confusing. Bankruptcy Attorney has seen everything before, so he understands what hurdles you should expect to face. Having an attorney by your side can actually be one of the best ways to get through the filing process.
In addition to having someone by your side during the filing process, bankruptcy attorneys can also be there to help during the appeal process. As you and your lawyer battle it out in court, it’s easy to overlook important information or miss a deadline. An attorney can catch you up on deadlines, information that may have changed, and anything else that might have slipped your mind. Attorneys do everything they can to retain your business.
Although you’ll probably feel most comfortable dealing with your lawyer, remember that it is still your job to look out for yourself during the filing process. Don’t let emotion get in the way of your work. Keep records of everything you send to your lawyer and follow up with them regularly to make sure they received what you sent. Also, don’t ever pay your attorney without first speaking to them. If you can, see if you can get a reference number from your previous lawyer so you can ask for their opinion on your new attorney.
Many people assume that there are no benefits to hiring bankruptcy lawyers. The truth is, these cases can present unique opportunities. Whether you’re dealing with a property or business that has been taken over, a self-employed individual that owes money, or even a worker’s compensation claim, these cases can be a little bit different. Hiring bankruptcy attorneys can really help you get through your chapter 7 case.