One of the most important decisions before you
start to file, is choosing a good attorney. During these stressful
times a good bankruptcy attorney would be extremely helpful. Whether
you plan to file personal or business (chapters 7, 11, 12 or 13),
an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who specializes
in bankruptcy law would be an added asset to you and your case.
With a multitude of options available for bankruptcy,
reorganization and debt adjustment, a safe and wise decision would
be a licensed, experienced, attorney at law, trained in the bankruptcy
field. The best ingredients for a successful case are having an attorney
who is well-trained and knowledgeable in the client's type of matter,
with whom the client feels comfortable entrusting the client's financial
well-being.
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How
to Find a Good Attorney
Finding a good attorney can be difficult and time consuming,
however, in the long run, can be a well rewarding endeavor. Where
to look and what to look for is your first start. Listed below are
some helpful pointers that will assist you in your search.
- Referrals
from Trusted Friend or Advisor - One of the best ways
in finding a good attorney is through referrals. Ask your
trusted friends and business associates if they heard of or
dealt with an attorney skilled in bankruptcy. A good source
may also be your accountant or bookkeeper. Accountants are
especially knowledgeable and have dealings with bankruptcy
attorneys from other clients. They can make some good recommendations
because of their dealings with finance. Another good source
could be your banker.
- Reputation
in the Community - One of the ways a bankruptcy attorney
gets to be known, is in the community that he/she works in.
He or she may be on the softball team, PTA or church group.
In fact, the attorney may do pro bono work in the community
and has contact with many types of organizations and individuals.
Knowing an attorney's reputation in community can be one step
in finding a good attorney. Ask those in the community that
know him if they know of anyone that was represented by this
attorney.
- Length
of Practice in the Bankruptcy Field - As a general rule
of thumb in any industry, whether in accounting, auto repair
or home builder, the more a professional spends in their particular
field, the more experienced and wisdom they have when performing
their work. A bankruptcy attorney is in the same category.
The longer they are in this field, the more likely that they
will be more proficient in their work. With the constant change
of the federal and bankruptcy law by state, it is important
that attorneys keep up-to-date of the new changes in the law.
They say practice makes perfect and in the field of bankruptcy
the longer a person is in this field, the more likely that
they will have the knowledge and experience in handling your
case.
- Background
Check from the State Bar - Another factor to investigate
is finding out whether the attorney is in good standing with
the state bar of your state. Check and see if any discipline
has been assessed against the attorney. If so, what are they
and how long ago was the disciplinary action. Perform an Internet
search of the state bar association of your local state and
see if he or she is in good standing.
- Experience
in the District Where the Bankruptcy Case Will Be Filed
- Is the attorney familiar and knowledgeable of the bankruptcy
trustees and judges in his district? Do the trustees and
judges know who the attorney is when he is representing your
case? This is crucial in complex cases and in your case. It
is also imperative that the attorney who represents you, know
what they are doing, when they are before the judge and trustee.
- Meet
and Interview the Attorney - Personally meet and interview
the attorney who will be handling your case, and ask questions
about his experience in cases like yours. See if a rapport
is established with the attorney, and if the attorney will
be a good fit for the satisfaction of your goals as a client.
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In conclusion, bankruptcy is a complex, constantly-evolving
field which requires that professionals keep on top of all new developments.
Best solution to a client's debt needs is to find a professional you
can trust and is competent enough to handle your case in a professional
manner. Finding a good attorney is one of the important keys in finding
a solution to your financial situation.
Written by Henry Rendler