Working with a bankruptcy attorney when you file for bankruptcy is essential, but how do you choose the one who is right for you? There are plenty of people out there qualified and able to help you, but it’s important you get the support you need from the right person.
Most bankruptcy attorneys offer a free consultation, which is a great time to ask questions and get a feel for what to expect. Just because an attorney has experience filing for bankruptcy doesn’t mean he or she is the best attorney for you. Investing a bit of time when choosing a bankruptcy attorney can make the process much easier and far less stressful than it could be.
What are three of the most important things to look for in a bankruptcy attorney?
Offers Guidance without Pushing You into Bankruptcy
Most people enter into bankruptcy during a heightened state of emotion. Whatever financial stress they’ve been dealing with comes to a head when they finally decide to file. Of course, filing can be a relief, but it’s still an emotional time. The last thing you need is to feel rushed or pushed into bankruptcy if you aren’t sure it’s time to file.
An attorney who provides you with factual, complete information in a non-emotional manner can be an invaluable resource should you decide to file. It’s important to feel as if your attorney has your best interest in mind, no matter what that happens to be, and that he or she will support you from the beginning to the end of the process.
Communicates in a Way that Makes You Feel Secure and Informed
One of the best ways to emerge from bankruptcy with the right attitude, and truly feeling as if you’ve made the best decision, is to work with someone who communicates with you throughout the process.
In addition to giving you information, your attorney should provide that information in a way that makes you comfortable. Having a similar communication style as your attorney – or at least agreeing on a method of communication in advance – can help you avoid a lot of anxiety as you move through the bankruptcy process.
For instance, if you prefer to read information and would rather communicate via email, let the attorneys you speak to know this during consultation. If you prefer phone conversations or in-person meetings, mention this. It’s important to have clear expectations before you begin the filing process.
Can Offer Testimony from Previous Clients
Very few people make decisions these days without consulting the internet. If you’re going to read reviews about restaurants or salons or any other place with which you do business, shouldn’t you do at least that for your bankruptcy attorney? Previous clients can offer a great deal of revealing information that helps you choose whether or not an attorney is right for you.
Make sure you ask for references when speaking with an attorney and follow up through other sources, including online reviews. You aren’t looking for a bankruptcy attorney with perfect reviews – just someone whose previous clients felt satisfied. It also gives you a chance to determine if a bankruptcy attorney has the specific experience to help you deal with your particular circumstances.
There are many resources out there to help you choose a bankruptcy attorney right for you, but the American Bar Association’s Public Resources PagePublic Resources Page is a great place to begin your search.
Would you like to know more about bankruptcy or finding an attorney who can help you through the process? Contact R. Flay Cabiness, II, P.C. at (912) 554-3774 (Brunswick, GA); (912) 375-5620 (Hazlehurst, GA) or; (912)-554-3756 (Jesup, GA).
