If you file for bankruptcy, you might have to go to court to submit the necessary forms and attend meetings with your creditors. You can do these things yourself, but there are far too many legal complexities and technicalities to address. A bankruptcy lawyer can help you with the process and represent you in a court of law, making things easier. Here are some valuable tips to follow when hiring a bankruptcy lawyer.

Check out the top resources
The American Bar Association (ABA) and The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) are the best places to start your search for a bankruptcy lawyer. These directories list qualified attorneys in your immediate area or district for you to consider. Check out the official website or contact the attorneys once you have shortlisted a few from these sites. The ABA and NACBA do not endorse names but simply suggest and recommend available professional services.

Consider referrals
When someone files for bankruptcy, in layperson terms, they declare that they have no profitable assets left to pay off outstanding debts. You will need an excellent lawyer to help you prove that point! So, if friends or family members can provide good referrals and recommendations, consider those. Personal referrals are better than unverified or unreviewed suggestions on the internet because your friends and family will vouch for the quality of services they recommend.

Verify experience and expertise
Qualifications, proper licensing, case outcomes, and specialization are principal factors when hiring a bankruptcy lawyer. Your legal counsel should be able to manage the technicalities and legalities of declaring bankruptcy well within the limits of the law. Any misleading action or misinformation due to negligence could have a judge overrule the plea. It is a complicated venture, so ensure your attorney has the required knowledge and experience. Check for the number of cases previously worked on and see if the attorney or law firm has a positive win record.

Set up an interview
Before hiring legal counsel, it is advisable to clarify all your doubts about the case. Here are some starter points to consider: Ask your attorney what section your bankruptcy case falls under, is it Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, and can a claim be made based on the classification. Check if the lawyer knows the code and compliance procedures mentioned under that section. If so, how many cases have they won for the firm? Also, inquire about their resources for preparing and winning the case. Larger firms may charge more but are better positioned to support the case with more resources. Furthermore, inquire about their charges. Fees for a Chapter 7 case usually range between $500 to $3,500. Lawyers charge $1,500 to $6,000 and upwards for Chapter 13, depending on the case’s complexity.

Ensure proper communication
You want to hire a bankruptcy lawyer who is patient and a keen listener. They should be open to communication and give you the latest updates and any case-related news. Law firms that manage multiple bankruptcy cases at once may not be able to provide you with exclusive attention. Instead, you get better attorney-client privileges with sole practitioners. At the end of the day, it is your case, money, time, and problem that needs professional help. So, ensure you hire the right legal support to limit and avoid missteps that could cost you the case.