Skilled bankruptcy lawyers deal with a highly specialised area of law. They prepare a large volume of paperwork that requires precise financial information, such as income, expenses, assets and debts under penalty of perjury.
They can help you determine whether bankruptcy is the best option for your situation. They will also know how to value your property and apply state exemption rules to keep as much of your assets as possible.
Reputation
A bankruptcy attorney can help you get a fresh start by filing for protection under the law. It can stop creditors from attempting to collect debts, allow you time to catch up on your rent or mortgage payments, and prevent repossession of your car. It can even restore or prevent termination of utility services.
While each case has its own specifics, it is important to choose an attorney who specializes in bankruptcy. Avvo offers a search engine that allows you to find attorneys who specialize in your location and practice area. You can also find lawyers who meet certain qualifications through membership in professional organizations like the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and the American Bar Association.
When choosing a bankruptcy lawyer, look for one with a good reputation in the legal community. A good reputation may mean that the attorney is respected by judges and trustees, and it could result in your case being resolved more favorably.
Experience
The practice of bankruptcy is a very specialized field. It requires a deep knowledge of federal bankruptcy laws. A mistake in a bankruptcy case could result in the entire proceeding being tossed out of court. This is why it is important to choose an attorney with extensive experience in bankruptcy matters.
The New York Bankruptcy Lawyers at Charles Juntikka & Associates are known for their expertise in bankruptcy law. They are committed to guiding their clients through the complex legal process of filing for bankruptcy protection in order to achieve a fresh start.
The first step is to determine if filing for bankruptcy is right for you. A qualified bankruptcy attorney can help you make this decision and assist you with filing for either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. If it turns out that bankruptcy is not the best solution, a bankruptcy lawyer can also recommend other alternatives. This may include reducing expenses, increasing income, negotiating lower interest rates or selling assets.
Fees
Bankruptcy lawyers typically charge two main types of fees: filing and attorney fees. Filing fees are charged by the bankruptcy court, and vary from case to case.
Lawyers’ fees are based on their experience, reputation, and level of expertise. They also differ based on location (lawyer costs tend to be higher in large cities than in rural areas).
It’s important to find out how much the attorney will charge before you hire them. A good attorney will not hesitate to quote you their fee during an initial meeting and explain it in detail. However, be wary of any attorney that refuses to provide a fee quote prior to the first meeting. This can be an indication of hidden fees or a lack of transparency. In some instances, attorneys may offer a free consultation for certain types of cases. These are called pro bono cases and can be a great way to get representation for those who cannot afford to pay a lawyer.
Recommendations
A good bankruptcy attorney will be able to offer advice and recommendations that are specific to your individual situation. They should not simply recommend filing bankruptcy but may also suggest less drastic measures such as debt settlement or debt management programs.
During the bankruptcy process, a lawyer will help determine which debts the court will discharge and which will remain. They will also help you protect assets that fall into the exemption categories. They should be able to explain these laws and how they vary from state to state.
It’s important to find a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable working. Ask for referrals and do some online research. There are a number of directories that promise to connect you with bankruptcy attorneys, but be careful not to make your decision based solely on price. It is possible that an attorney who charges a lower rate could cut corners, which could hurt your case. Those that charge higher rates are likely to have more experience and provide better guidance.