When looking to
find a bankruptcy lawyer,
a person should set up a consultation with at least three different
attorneys. Ask about fees, fee schedules, attorney experience,
certifications, procedural outlines, client access and any personal
questions that may require answers. Bankruptcies are filed in Federal
Bankruptcy Court, so each attorney will have a large packet and much
paperwork, including a financial affidavit for the individual to
complete. The attorney chosen should be able to outline the differences
between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies and should explain the
entire process in non-technical language.
RocketLawyer.com offers an impressive directory of attorneys as
a great starting point in a search. However, due diligence requires
further investigation. Check with local bankruptcy court panels and
creditor committees, ask business and personal contacts for referrals,
and be sure to visit offices. Don’t hesitate to judge based on an
office’s cleanliness and level of organization. Some individuals may
consider spending time observing bankruptcy court proceedings to get a
feel for the proceedings.
Before talking to a bankruptcy lawyer, it's also a good idea to complete the free
Bankruptcy Worksheet, so you can share a complete financial picture with your attorney.