Questions to Ask Yourself When Thinking About Filing Bankruptcy Without an Attorney
Choosing a Bankruptcy Attorney is one of the most important things to do in regards to filling out your bankruptcy application. It is not just a question of choice, it is also about finding the right person for the job. The fact is, that there are many bankruptcy attorneys to choose from. So how do you know which attorney to hire? The answer lies in looking at a few important factors.
How long has the bankruptcy attorney been practicing law? You don’t want to hire an attorney who started practicing only a year or two ago. It would be better to seek help from someone who has been practicing for at least a few years. Experience is definitely an important quality when hiring a bankruptcy attorney. They should have a good number of years under their belt.
Do they have a stellar track record of winning cases? The best bankruptcy attorneys will have a good reputation for helping their clients. If they can show a history of winning cases, then it means they have the experience necessary to help you with your bankruptcy case. Ask them about their past successes and you’ll get a better sense of whether they are the attorney for you.
How much will a bankruptcy attorney charge? It is essential that you set a realistic budget when trying to determine how much an attorney will charge. Since bankruptcy cases are so complicated, you need an attorney who can get the job done quickly and cheaply. The costs of a bankruptcy stay vary according to state and county, so make sure to ask the bankruptcy attorney you are considering how much they plan to charge you.
Is it ethical to seek the help of a bankruptcy attorney? Yes! A bankruptcy attorney is specially trained to help those in need to file for bankruptcy protection. The majority of people who file personal bankruptcy papers don’t do it because they believe they don’t have the financial wherewithal to do so. They end up filing bankruptcy when they really don’t have any more money to avoid the creditor’s lawsuits.
Can I get a referral from my bankruptcy attorney? Yes, you can. If you already have a bankruptcy case pending, ask your bankruptcy attorney for a referral. They will be able to help you find a good bankruptcy lawyer in your area who can take on your case. Don’t wait until you’re in dire straits, contact your attorney right away and get a referral to a good bankruptcy law firm.
What if I am not represented by an attorney? You still can file for bankruptcy without an attorney. However, you will want to retain a bankruptcy lawyer. This is a good idea regardless of whether you are represented or not. Only an attorney with experience handling cases like yours will know what to do and how to best represent your interests.
The above are just some of the questions you should ask yourself when considering the option of filing bankruptcy without an attorney. While it may be an option for many people, it’s not right for everyone. There are many other considerations you should make before filing bankruptcy.