Bankruptcy is a specialized area of law that can be far more complex than appears on the outside. The issues are not always apparent or simple. Pick a bankruptcy lawyer who can help you work through the issues, alternatives, and conclusions of your own choices. Pick a lawyer with whom you are comfortable, one whom you can ask questions and get responses you understand. He or she is specialized in bankruptcy or does a large part of his or her practice in the field.
It is also good if you ask questions until you understand what your choices are. Do not be afraid to interview a lawyer and leave without retaining if you are not satisfied.
Look for a certified specialist or a lawyer with significant experience in bankruptcy.
A bankruptcy lawyer will be committed to getting you debt relief and providing you with valuable information, services and advice to get you a better financial future. They may also give you advice on where it is better to file bankruptcy.
On your first visit to your lawyer's office you should bring a list of all the creditors that you owe. This includes debts that you are not behind on like credit cards, medical bills, taxes, cars, houses, and personal loans. The better the information that you give to your lawyer, the better their advice will be. The list of your assets and income is also needed.
You should also take advantage on your lawyer's expertise. He or she can talk to you about everything in regards to your financial condition. Take note that without all the debt information your right cannot be protected. All too often, information that a client withholds because they think it is troublesome presents no problem, if disclosed. Lying to your lawyer may cause a problem where none existed before.
Read carefully the representation agreement, the draft schedules, the court notices and communications from your lawyer. Ask your lawyer questions what you do not understand at first. Inexact or not whole information can have severe and obnoxious penalties.
Cooperate in providing promptly information and feed back with your bankruptcy lawyer when requested so that court deadlines can be met. Take responsibility for your case. You are the person with the best handle on the facts of the case and the one most affected by the case's outcome. Your lawyer can file a bankruptcy with you, but not for you. He or she may help you, but not all the time. Remember, he or she is a lawyer, lawyers can only help you in regards to legal aspects.
Victoria I Perez, Attorney at Law
