The entire region has been hard hit by the Great Recession; ask any Sacramento bankruptcy lawyer. Their business year over year is up by many percentage points. But they are not taking any pleasure in a more than full waiting room. The average Sacramento bankruptcy lawyer is on the front line of helping to restore some stability to the economy. The question is, how to find a good Sacramento bankruptcy lawyer? There are many around, but do not wait until it is too late. That question is easily answered. It's what you do once you find one. This will -- and could-- effect your entire life. So do not make it a frantic search. Take your time. You can search the internet or ask family and friends, and it may take several interviews before you find one that works will with you. Make sure you meet with your lawyer with a full understanding of your financial condition. This always helps to expedite the proceedings. Most people never approach their lawyer with any plan, and this is a mistake. Your lawyer will be a good advocate for you, but you must be your own best advocate. Make a plan. It's your life. Once you work with your lawyer you might have to decide on a consumer bankruptcy filing -- either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 will have you liquidate your assets and pay off creditors, and Chapter 13 will have you workout a repayment schedule for your creditors. The advice might be simpler: get on a budget; sell some assets; or get a second job. It might be a hard step to take to hire a lawyer to help you with your finances, but it is necessary and it will be your first step towards getting your financial life in order.