Tips to Get Out of Debt with the Help of a Legal Professional
Filing for bankruptcy is a serious matter, and it’s not a decision people come to without lots of thought and legal assistance. If you need to get out of debt, and you think bankruptcy is your only option, your first step is to hire a personal bankruptcy attorney to help you.
You want to be sure your attorney is the best for you, and that you’re doing everything you can to help make your case for bankruptcy. These dos and don’ts should be helpful in guiding you.
DO Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney from Your Area
If you’re facing financial trouble and think that you may need to declare bankruptcy, calling a national debt relief hotline advertised on late-night TV isn’t going to be your saving grace.
To declare bankruptcy or work toward debt settlement, you need the help of a local bankruptcy attorney. You can use your state’s Bar Association website to locate a suitable lawyer in your area, or you can simply search online for options. Read reviews and testimonials, and ask for a free consultation with your top choices.
DON’T Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney Based on Cheesy Billboard or Bus Ads
The ability to purchase legal ads like billboards or other physical displays does not correlate with skill in navigating a bankruptcy case or achieving the best outcomes. Falling for dramatic, emotional ads with vivid imagery probably won’t get you the best attorney for you.
Researching your options, however, will help you get in touch with bankruptcy attorneys who are ready to work for you and help you find freedom from overwhelming debt. Look for experienced attorneys with a demonstrated history of success in bankruptcy cases. If that attorney ends up being one whose face is plastered on ads around your community, that’s fine. But you only know that you’ve made the right choice because of your research, not because you were swayed by pricey marketing tactics.
DO Ask About How Much You’ll be Charged for Legal Services
Before hiring a personal bankruptcy attorney, you need to have all the information up front so you can make a smart decision. Not every attorney’s rates will be the same, and some may charge you an arm and a leg for the same quality of services as another.
On a related note, you get what you pay for. An attorney with abnormally low rates may be just as much of a red flag for you as one with ridiculous high ones.
DON’T Think You Know More Than Your Attorney
Working toward declaring bankruptcy and all the legal processes that go with it can be emotionally taxing. When put in these situations, people tend to become defensive or argumentative to save face, especially when it comes to facing down their past financial decisions.
Remember that you hired your Denver bankruptcy attorney because they are experts and want what’s best for you. Your lawyer works for you to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your specific situation. And everyone’s situation is different, so comparing your lawyer and their services to another one based on what an acquaintance told you is unwise.
Listen carefully to what your attorney has to say, provide them with all the information they need to help you, and follow their guidance.
DO Be Transparent About Your Financial Situation
Don’t let embarrassment get in the way of being clear about your financial situation when you meet with your bankruptcy attorney. Bring along relevant financial statements and bills so that you are sure to share everything during your meetings.
If a proposed resolution doesn’t feel like it will work for you, talk to your lawyer about it immediately, rather than hiding away your feelings.
DON’T Leave Anything Out
Your bankruptcy attorney can only work for you if you provide all relevant information when it’s requested. It’s up to you to gather all the information about your finances and double-check that you haven’t forgotten any credit cards, bank accounts, loans, liens, and more.
If you do realize you’ve forgotten something, contact your bankruptcy attorney immediately and provide the missing information. Forgetting items can negatively affect the bankruptcy process, and even delay it longer than necessary.
Best of Luck!
Now that you know more about hiring a bankruptcy attorney, it’s time to get started on your research process. Filing for bankruptcy can take a long time, but with the right attorney working for you, you’ll feel immediate stress relief when you begin.
