subject: Are Bankruptcy Attorneys Worth The Money [print this page] A debtor who is considering bankruptcy is in an interesting dilemma. The fact that he is filing bankruptcy indicates that he has no money. However, in order to file bankruptcy as successfully as possible, he should hire an attorney, and attorneys are not cheap. In fact, some attorneys actually increase their rates when dealing with bankruptcy cases. While you will have to pay an attorney if you find yourself in this situation, these tips will help you find one that is more affordable.
If you are filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy, find an attorney who is willing to add his charges to the bankruptcy case. In this way, you will pay him through the repayment plan under your Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection. You will not have to pay out of pocket as you being the bankruptcy process. Just make sure you know what the charges are before you begin the process.
Remember that most attorneys offer free consultations in an attempt to get your business. Take advantage of this to learn all you can about the bankruptcy process. Also, look for reduced fee lawyer services, which are often available to certain demographics. For instance, some lawyers will work at a reduced rate for elderly people who are facing bankruptcy due to predatory lenders. Others do some pro bono bankruptcy work to help the public image of the firm. If you can find one of these lawyers, use the services.
Since bankruptcy is not an extremely complicated process as far as legal processes go, you may not need a lawyer for the entire process. See if you can hire what is called "limited scope legal representation." This is a situation where you hire the lawyer to represent you for only part of the process. This is not available in all states, but if it is an option in yours, then take advantage of it. Let the lawyer help you with the document preparation, but handle the court appearances on your own. You may only have to pay a few hundred dollars for this service.
Remember, you really do need legal advice when filing for bankruptcy. For the non-lawyers among us, it is a complicated process, and any mistakes could make you look as though you are guilty of fraud, a situation you do not want to be in. However, you do not have to pay a lawyer to hold your hand through the whole process. There are affordable options out there to help you get the assistance you need, without hurting your financial situation any further.
