How To Choose a Bankruptcy Attorney

The state of one’s finances is personal issue that many people do not like to talk about. However, when seeking legal representation to help you deal with debt through filing for bankruptcy, it is important to be honest and ask questions. At Chang & Diamond, APC, we firmly believe that it is important that you choose an attorney who is right for you. Our firm strives to provide clients with information and guidance in choosing representation − whether that firm is us or otherwise. Your future is at stake. You do not want to take risks with an inexperienced bankruptcy firm. Below are some of the steps that should be taken when choosing a bankruptcy lawyer. To learn more about how we handle cases at Chang & Diamond, APC, Contact Us today for a free initial consultation.

Just because an attorney advertises on TV that he or she is experienced in bankruptcy doesn’t mean that this is actually the case. Some lawyers outsource the bankruptcy cases so you case might in fact be forwarded to another attorney with whose qualifications you are not familiar.

How many bankruptcy cases have you filed? How long have you been handling bankruptcy matters? Do you have a direct connection to each case? What are your fees for filing a bankruptcy? How often do I receive an update on my case? Do you handle Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy? Can you stop harassment by your creditors? Do you know how to work the Means Test? These questions, and more, should be asked before you hire a bankruptcy lawyer. It is important to ask any question that is on your mind – and that you get a straight and honest answer. If the answers do not suit your needs, seek counsel from another bankruptcy firm. When there is additional work to be done, such as contracted services from an appraiser, ask if the attorney benefits monetarily from those services or if it is possible for you to use your own appraiser. We are up-front with our services. When we quote you a fee, that is a fee. In a Chapter 13, the court mandates the fee. In a Chapter 7, we quote you the fee that we will charge. We will file the case before it is even paid off.

Bankruptcy is a very serious matter that affects all aspects of your life. It is essential that you find a lawyer who not only understands how to file for bankruptcy but who can also help you understand all of the impact that a bankruptcy will have on your life − the negative effects and positive effects. Take your time to discover the right advocate for you. Also, it is important to check the Better Business Bureau and the state bar registry to find out if any complaints have been lodged against the attorney and why.

Once you have a few potential representatives in mind, call their firms and ask to speak to them. Are you able to speak directly with the attorney? Are you passed off to a lower associate? Does the person taking your information even have a law degree? These are important questions to keep in mind, as you want to be able to discuss your case directly with the attorney. At Chang & Diamond, APC, our lawyers are available to speak personally with clients about the potential for their bankruptcy case. Most of the time, if they are in the office, our attorneys answer the phones. That cannot be said for all firms. We are invested in each of our client relationships and pride ourselves on the level of communication we maintain with them. To learn more about how we at Chang & Diamond, APC, handle bankruptcy cases or to have an assessment of your case, contact a lawyer at our firm today and schedule a free initial consultation. We offer the assistance of Spanish speaking staff members for your convenience. We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.