What to Look For When Hiring a Debt Relief Attorney
Do you find yourself drowning in debt? Are you tired of the nonstop calls and threats of legal action from debt collectors? No one wants to be or plans to be in this type of dire situation.
If you are in debt, you’re not alone. National Data shows the average American has $90,460 in debt. The good news is that there are ways to get debt relief and a fresh start with financial freedom.
To get debt relief as soon as possible consult an experienced debt relief attorney. A debt relief attorney can help you evaluate your options including the bankruptcy process.
When researching a Bankruptcy law firm, there are several factors to consider. Not all attorneys are the same. This guide will help you know what to look for when hiring a bankruptcy attorney.
Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney with Experience
The best thing you can do, when looking for a bankruptcy attorney, is to do your research. Take the time to find out if the debt relief attorney you want to hire has experience in the bankruptcy filing. Most circumstances require the use of bankruptcy law to give you an even playing field to deal with your creditors.
You should speak with a debt relief attorney who focuses in bankruptcy law. An attorney who only practices this type of law should have the insight to guide you through the debt resolution process and protect your home and other assets.
Don’t be afraid to ask the bankruptcy attorney you plan to hire how many cases he or she has taken. Ask how long he or she has been practicing law.
Go online and read the bankruptcy attorney’s reviews and ratings. You can find a wealth of information online about lawyers who focus on debt relief.
Cost of Working with a Bankruptcy Attorney
If you’re already in a tough financial situation, it may be difficult to find the money to pay for an attorney. Hiring an attorney is a smart investment to achieve debt relief. You need to know beforehand how much your attorney will charge for their services.
You also need to find out how the attorney charges to represent you. Ask about any upfront fees you are responsible for such as filing fees. Many attorneys charge a flat rate based on the nature of your situation and the hours the attorney will dedicate to your case.
Keep in mind that the type of bankruptcy and the specific complexity of your case will influence the cost. There are other fees such as filing fees, credit reports, etc. and you will likely have to pay an upfront retainer fee to start your case.
The bankruptcy attorney you plan to hire needs to be honest and straightforward about all costs. Make sure you understand the costs that are associated with hiring and working with a debt relief attorney so that you can make an informed decision.
Ask about payment options, as most attorneys offer payment plans. Payment options are beneficial for you if you cannot pay for fees in full or upfront.
Be wary of law firms that advertise “no money down” bankruptcy filings. These cases usually result in substantially higher fees over time and often your unpaid fees are transferred to a collection agency to recover the balance of the attorney’s fees.
The debt relief attorney you hire must be able to create a strategy to protect you in court.
Find a Bankruptcy Attorney Who Offers a Free Evaluation
It’s common for attorneys to offer a free evaluation to potential clients. Simply ask if the initial consultation is free.
If you’re able to meet with an attorney for a free evaluation, take the time to prepare for the consultation and make a list of specific questions before the appointment. Prepare the breakdown of who you owe and about how much you owe each creditor. Take the time to ask important questions. The questions you ask can both improve the detail of the information provided by the attorney and to help gauge the attorney’s overall knowledge and experience.
During the free evaluation, the attorney should go over your current financial situation and explain your options both in bankruptcy court and outside of court. The attorney should be direct with the benefits and difficulties of your situation.
Take advantage during the free evaluation to ask your prepared questions. This is the perfect opportunity to see if you feel comfortable with the attorney. It’s important to get a feel for the relationship you may have with the attorney.
Communication is key. The attorney needs to listen to your concerns. You should be completely open about your financial circumstances with the attorney.
The attorney should be sympathetic to your case. You need to feel a sense of relief when speaking with the attorney. If you leave the initial consultation with a sense of relief and confidence, it’s a sign you should hire that attorney.
The personality of the attorney can be important. A compatible personality with the attorney and staff of the law firm is helpful. Keep in mind, you’ll likely be working with that firm and attorney for at least a few months and potentially several years until the bankruptcy process is complete.
The Bankruptcy Attorney Needs to Be Accessible
The attorney you hire will need to be accessible. Make sure the attorney doesn’t have too large a caseload. This can lessen the time the attorney dedicates to your case. You want to find a Bankruptcy law firm that does not operate as an assembly line; simply, filing a case and moving on to the next filing with little regard to the person or business behind the case.
Your case deserves the attention of your attorney. Working one-on-one with the attorney you hire is important. You should have an attorney who responds to messages in a timely manner.
The attorney who works for you must have a knowledgeable support team. If you have any questions or concerns about your case, the attorney’s support team can assist you.
This isn’t a DIY project. You must have the attorney’s support, as well as the support from the attorney’s staff. The last thing you want is to be in the dark when you need help the most.
Find the Right Bankruptcy Attorney
Being in debt is not easy. It can take a toll on your health and well-being due to the stress.
If you want to find debt relief, hire a local bankruptcy attorney. The Bankruptcy law firm and attorney you hire will represent you to deal fairly with your debts and protect your home and other assets. This guide provides the information you need to help you hire the right debt relief attorney.
Are you ready to hire a Bankruptcy attorney? Do you have any questions? Please visit our contact page for a free consultation.
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