Many people file for bankruptcy because of unmanageable debts. Some attempt to wrangle the court’s complicated paperwork on their own, while others are lured by a cottage industry of unregulated petition preparers. Well, a debt collection agency can help you manage the economy and get a second chance to grow your business.
If your debts are out of control and you don’t see a way to catch up, bankruptcy is a strong option. It will wipe out most unsecured debts and give you a fresh start. Moreover, you can consider a Card balance transfer to strengthen your bankruptcy proof.
Reputation
The reputation of your bankruptcy help attorney is one of the most important things to consider. A reputable bankruptcy lawyer will take the time to understand your case and explain it clearly. This will allow you to make better decisions about how to proceed.
If your debts are out of control and you don’t see a way to catch up, bankruptcy is a strong option. It will wipe out most unsecured debts and give you a fresh start.
A good bankruptcy attorney is familiar with federal and local laws, as well as court procedures. You can use online directories that offer lists of bankruptcy attorneys, or check with your state’s bar association for referrals.
Bankruptcy is not easy, and it will remain on your credit report for 7 or 10 years, depending on the type of bankruptcy filed. It’s important to choose an attorney who will take the time to answer all your questions and be there for you every step of the way.
Experience
It’s important that your bankruptcy attorney is familiar with the laws of your filing locality. Also, the attorney should be familiar with court personnel and procedures. This is important because bankruptcy rules and procedures vary greatly from place to place.
An experienced attorney will be able to help you file the proper paperwork and ensure that everything is completed correctly. A mistake on just one form can dismiss your bankruptcy case. Your attorney will also be your advocate at any court-mandated hearings and when negotiating with creditors.
Some attorneys offer free meetings or a reduced fee for their first consultation. However, it is important to remember that no attorney can guarantee results. You should research several candidates and ask friends or colleagues for recommendations. You can also look at NACBA directories or search for attorneys through a private practice website. Many larger unions have in-house legal aid teams that can provide free or reduced-fee services to members.
Fees
The fees charged by a bankruptcy attorney vary from lawyer to lawyer and based on whether you are filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Some attorneys will advertise unusually low bankruptcy fees, however you should verify that their fee will cover all of the necessary work for your case before hiring them.
In addition to attorney fees, there are also court filing fees and fees for credit counseling and debtors education courses. The costs of these courses vary by vendor and mode of service.
The fees that a bankruptcy lawyer charges for his or her services must be disclosed to the court and reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This process reduces the time and cost of defending the fees on a regular basis, which allows lawyers to charge reasonable fees. The law establishes guidelines, known as “no look” fees, which are designed to consider the customary fees charged in the jurisdiction for similar services and the complexity of a typical bankruptcy case.
Personal comfort
If you’re a low-income New York resident, it may be possible to hire a free bankruptcy help attorney. Many legal aid nonprofits throughout the country offer this service. Some of these organizations also provide what’s called unbundled legal assistance. This entails working with an attorney to review your bankruptcy forms and filing them on your behalf in court, but the lawyer does not accompany you to your 341 meeting or other court proceedings.
A good bankruptcy help attorney will be compassionate, caring and understanding of your situation. They will make you feel like family and truly care about the outcome of your case.
Bankruptcy is not a quick fix, but it can be a powerful tool to get your life back on track. If you’ve gotten far behind on your debt and are juggling important bills, it may be time to consider bankruptcy. This is especially true if your debts are clearly disproportionate to your income.