Experienced Bankruptcy Attorney

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Experience in bankruptcy and other related areas of law is important when you are choosing a bankruptcy attorney. Of course, knowledge is as important as experience, but the two often go hand in hand. If the lawyer blogs, you might want to read what he or she has posted.

You can tell a lot from your first meeting with a lawyer. At the very least, a good bankruptcy attorney will (1) review your overall financial situation with you, (2) discuss all of your options, not just bankruptcy, (3) and answer any questions you may have.

Avoid lawyers who do not return calls. Although some attorneys handle very high volumes of cases, it is never acceptable for an attorney not to return your calls or messages in a timely manner. An attorney's staff can be very helpful, but if you want to speak to your lawyer, you should be able to do so.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Some firms are what is known in the business as "bankruptcy mills", which crank out massive volumes of cases. Although some higher volume firms do a decent job handling cases, you will generally not get the same personal service offered by an attorney who handles a reasonable caseload.

Generally, there is only a small upfront payment in Chapter 13 cases, with most of the fees paid through the Chapter 13 plan. In fact, the attorneys fees in a Chapter 13 come from money that would have otherwise gone to your creditors. Essentially, your creditors pay for your Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Hiring lowest priced attorney is like hiring the cheapest surgeon. It may save you some money upfront, but you could end up paying for it in the long run. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. (1) Ask if your attorney offers a free consultation. Many do.

(2) Ask what percentage of the attorney's practice is bankruptcy and how long he or she has been practicing in the area. Avoid attorneys who dabble in bankruptcy.

(3) Ask what other areas of law the attorney has practiced in and how that experience makes him or her a better bankruptcy attorney.

(4) Ask what the lawyer's policy is on returning phone calls. If it is unsatisfactory, find another attorney.

(5) Ask if there are options other than bankruptcy. Your attorney should discuss alternatives anyway, but make your you know all of your options before making a decision.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Before speaking to a bankruptcy lawyer, it will be helpful if you can write down your (1) income from all sources, (2) your mortgage payment (if any) and the current balance, (3) your car payments and balances, (4) the rough amount of your unsecured debt (credit cards, personal loans, etc.), (5) any back taxes owed or any expected refund, and (6) and other debts owed.

You will want to let your attorney know about any changes in your financial circumstances that you expect in the foreseeable future. If you are married (and not separated), you need to provide your attorney with your spouse's income information, even if your spouse is not filing with you.