How To Find A Good Bankruptcy Lawyer

Filing for bankruptcy can be a very upsetting and stressful process

. Whether you're considering Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, or even the less common Chapter 11 or Chapter 12, you may be tempted to try to save costs by doing your bankruptcy filing yourself. However, in most instances having a bankruptcy attorney handle your case will actually turn out to be the most practical option. Bankruptcy attorneys know how to properly prepare all the complicated documentation and paperwork so that your case doesn't get dismissed for technical errors. They are also familiar with local court rules and procedures, and they can answer any questions you may have about the bankruptcy process and explain your options so that you can make the best choices for your particular situation.

But finding the right attorney to handle your case can take some work. First of all, you definitely need an attorney who specializes in bankruptcy law. One proven approach is to find a family member or friend who has gone through bankruptcy and ask for a referral if they were pleased with their legal representation. Or if you already use an attorney for other legal advice (taxes and estate planning, business law), you could ask that attorney for a referral to another attorney who specializes in bankruptcy law.

You can also check with your local bar association for names of bankruptcy attorneys who practice in your area. Check if you are a member of a group legal plan through your job or professional organization, and see if the plan covers bankruptcies, or if attorneys who participate in the plan can refer you to a bankruptcy lawyer. And local law schools and legal aid clinics may also serve as a source of referrals to respected bankruptcy attorneys near you.

Another way to find a good bankruptcy attorney is to contact your local bankruptcy court. Some courts may maintain a list of practicing lawyers in your area as a convenience to the public. These lists are not meant to be recommendations or endorsements, but they generally contain the names and contact information of lawyers who are licensed to practice in the court's jurisdiction. And the court will likely also have a packet of information that explains the bankruptcy filing process and its associated fees to help you better understand the procedure.

Finally, the phone book and Internet directories like www.nacba.org or www.legalconsumer.com can also give you lists of attorneys in your area that specialize in bankruptcy law. Internet directories are especially helpful since they not only give contact details, but also additional information such as the types of cases they handle, qualifications, and typical fee schedules.

Once you have assembled a list of possible names, you need to do some research and find out how long they've has been practicing in the field of bankruptcy law, and what their educational and training experience is. It is an especially good sign if the attorney has been certified by the American Board of Certification because that means that the lawyer has proven experience in bankruptcy law and is a specialist in the field. And it's also a plus if an attorney is a member of The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA), which is a well-respected consumer bankruptcy organization. You also want to make sure that the attorney hasn't received any disciplinary citations from the local or state bar associations for misconduct or improper behavior of any kind.

Finally, once you've found some possible attorneys who have the skills and training to handle your bankruptcy case, it's time to make an appointment to meet with some of them in person so that you can judge whether or not you will be able to work well with them during what is going to be a very stressful and perhaps even emotional time for you. Fortunately many experienced bankruptcy attorneys offer free consultations so they can review your situation in detail.

Ideally you would like to meet with 3-4 attorneys so that you can judge not only how confident you feel about their experience, but also how comfortable you are about trusting them to represent you in bankruptcy court. In the end, finding the right attorney to handle your case can help make a very upsetting and demanding time in your life much more bearable, so take the time to do your research carefully before making any decisions.

by: CCSTB

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