Choose an Attorney
Bankruptcy Attorney & Consultation
Hiring a good attorney to assist you with your bankruptcy can make a difficult situation less stressful. Here are some tips to help you choose an attorney and prepare for your consultation:
Choosing a Bankruptcy Attorney
Just like doctors or insurance agents, many attorneys specialize in a particular legal field. A lawyer who works mainly in the area of bankruptcy will have the most expertise and up-to-date information.
- Online
The internet is a great source of information and an easy way to get connected with local businesses and in this case, local bankruptcy attorneys. You can get match with an attorney in your area by simply filing out the form here on our site.
Fill out the form on the right to get in touch with a bankruptcy attorney.
- Telephone Book
The yellow pages usually lists local attorneys under the subheading of bankruptcy. This will help you find a lawyer located near your home or office.
- Referrals
If you've used an attorney in the past, ask them for a referral to a good bankruptcy lawyer. Friends and family can be a source for recommendations. You can also check the American Board of Certification (the national certification board for bankruptcy and creditors' attorneys) on the Internet.
- Consultation
After finding a few promising firms, make appointments for initial consultations. There's nothing like one-on-one interviews to get a feel for an attorney. Get a free consultation by an attorney in your area by filing out this form on form on the right.
Preparation
Once you've chosen a bankruptcy attorney, expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1500 for their services, depending on your area. Some firms will make payment arrangements, but most prefer to collect the full amount prior to going before the bankruptcy trustee.
Once a bankruptcy is filed, all credit legal action as well as harassing phone calls will cease. Therefore, it makes sense to bring all your applicable information with you to your initial meeting with the attorney.
The following list includes information that most bankruptcy lawyers will need:
- Personal Information
Name
Address (any previous addresses)
Phone Number
Social Security Number
Birth Date for all filers and dependents
Current Employment and past Employment History
If Self Employed - Information on your business - Monthly Income and Expenses
Net Income
Spouse's Net Income
Child Support
Social Security Benefits
Unemployment
Spousal Support
Other Income - Monthly non-Discretionary Expenses - After Bankruptcy
Child Support Payments
Spousal Support Payments
Child Care
Medical Expenses - Monthly Discretionary Expenses - After Bankruptcy
Housing - rent/mortgage
Taxes/fees
Utilities--telephone, cable/satellite, gas, electricity, water
Furniture, etc.
Personal Expenses - dining, entertainment, gifts, contributions, allowances
Non-recoverable Medical Expenses - prescriptions, dental
Living Expenses - food, laundry, toiletries, clothing etc.
Transportation Costs - car payment, repairs, maintenance, gas, public transportation
Insurance Expenses - vehicle, house, life insurance - Assets - Location, Best estimate of Present Value and Information regarding:
Cash/Bank Accounts
Household Furniture/Collectibles
Retirement Savings Plans
Loans Due to You
Cash Value of Insurance Policies
Savings Plans/Bonds/Stocks/Shares
Clothing, Medical Aids, Jewelry
Estimated Tax Refund
Real Estate
Cars/Motorcycles (need model and serial number)
Motorized Vehicles/Boat/Trailer
Tools of Trade
Other Assets - Liabilities
List all debts, including secured debts, medical and utilities. Include name, full address, account number and estimate of amount owing.
(Bring in most recent statements if available)
Include any debts with you as guarantor or co-signer - General Information regarding:
Assets you have sold, disposed of or transferred in the last 12 months
Assets seized within the last 12 months
Assets you expect to receive (money or property) within the next 12 months
Get a free
Bankruptcy Evaluation
When considering Bankruptcy you want to know that you are making the right choice. An experienced bankruptcy attorney in your area is available to assist you.
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