As with any area of the law, it is important to carefully select an attorney who will respond to your personal situation. The attorney should not be too busy to meet you individually and to answer questions as necessary.
The best way to find a trustworthy bankruptcy attorney is to seek recommendations from family, friends or other members of the community, especially any attorney you know and respect.
You should carefully read retainers and other documents the attorney asks you to sign. You should not hire an attorney unless he or she agrees to represent you throughout the case.
In bankruptcy, as in all areas of life, remember that the person advertising the cheapest rate is not necessarily the best.
Document preparation services also known as “typing services” or “paralegal services” involve non-lawyers who offer to prepare bankruptcy forms for a fee. Problems with these services often arise because non-lawyers can not offer advice on difficult bankruptcy cases and they offer no services once a bankruptcy case has begun. There are also many shady operators in this field, who give bad advice and defraud consumers.
When first meeting a bankruptcy attorney, you should be prepared to answer the following questions:
- What types of debt are causing you the most trouble?
- What are your significant assets?
- How did your debts arise and are they secured?
- Is any action about to occur to foreclose or repossess property, to attach your wages or bank account, or to shut off utility service?
- What are your goals in filing the case?
Source: Answers to Common Bankruptcy Questions Pamphlet
National Consumer Law Center, Boston, MA
www.nclc.org
Remember: The law often changes. Each case is different. This pamphlet is meant to give you general information and not to give you specific legal advice.
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