subject: Will An Attorney Just Tell Me How Much A Bankruptcy Costs By Phone? [print this page] Sometimes it is hard to sort through all the attorneys in your area once you've decided to file bankruptcy. Many people make their decision based on price--however, picking an attorney is not like picking a new shampoo. Choosing a bankruptcy attorney solely based on price could leave you in big trouble.
Still, many people who are thinking of filing bankruptcy think the best way to choose an attorney is to ask one their price over the phone. After 16 years as a bankruptcy attorney, I would still never quote someone over the phone--it is simply unethical.
Why? First of all, without knowing all the ins and outs of someone's financial situation, you don't know what it will cost you to file their bankruptcy case. You also have let a bankruptcy attorney get you in the door only because of price--and without any additional information. One of the most important reasons attorneys offer free consultations is to be able to give you a fair and accurate price for their services.
Am I trying to get you to choose the most expensive attorney? No. Most attorneys charge about the same price anyway, as bankruptcy fees are controlled by the bankruptcy court. I want to help you understand why price shopping for attorneys is such a huge mistake: Choosing a lawyer to file your bankruptcy case solely because of their cost.
There a lot of other factors that should go into the choice of an attorney. How many bankruptcy cases has this attorney really filed? Do they offer free information to help you make an educated decision, regardless of advertising? Can you find positive testimonials from their clients? Is the attorney in good standing with the bar association? Pick a lawyer that is helpful, knowledgeable, and comfortable and not one that is likely to only do the work you are paying them for.
The answer is no, an attorney who is responsible and ethical will not tell you what your bankruptcy will cost without really knowing. However, he or she may offer free materials to help you make an educated decision. Don't pass them up. The more you know, the more likely you'll be to have a great experience getting out of debt.
