Bankruptcy Lawyer – Why Need One?
If a debtor decides a voluntary bankruptcy, then he’s the one who sets-off the bankruptcy. If his creditors or the court initiates an involuntary bankruptcy, then a good bankruptcy lawyer takes the bankrupt’s problems dealing with every aspect of the bankruptcy. Either way, there is a need of a bankruptcy lawyer. A bankruptcy lawyer is one who can explain the applications of bankruptcy laws and all its implications.
It’s always good to ask questions to a certified specialist bankruptcy lawyer until you understand all options. In most state-county systems, you’re not required to have a lawyer for the legal proceedings, yet this doesn’t mean you don’t need one. It’s still best to have a bankruptcy lawyer who can help with the overwhelming legalities of the system while also taking away the burden of dealing with the process especially in the midst of a financially and emotionally straining time.
One should not fall thoughtless though, leaving it all to the lawyers. If one should ask help from a lawyer then he should also help himself. One should provide the bankruptcy lawyer a true list of all the creditors’ debts owed – credit cards, student loans, medical bills, taxes, cars, houses, and personal debts, as well as a reliable list of all assets and regular income. The better the information one can give to his lawyer, the better the lawyer’s advice he would get – of course at a cost. Yet despite financial deficiency, it still is often best to consider at least consulting with a bankruptcy lawyer before filing. It’s important to learn the full details of the representation-agreement, draft-schedules, and court notices and communications about the bankruptcy case. A bankruptcy lawyer is just that someone who’s meant to help a person go through the bankruptcy’s legal procedures, deal with creditors, meet with the court systems, set up payment-plans, gather and liquidate assets, and fill out and file all necessary paperwork. He is the expert.
Often, lawyers charge only by visit or by activity, such as appearing at the courthouse or filing paperwork. Many lawyers though offer a free consultation for general advice. Although, one need note that not all bankruptcy lawyers specialize in the same type of cases, so it is important to find someone who can really help with the particular type of financial problem.
Asking trusted-friends or family-advice for finding bankruptcy lawyers is advisable. One can also browse the yellow pages, call the local bar-association, or research cases to see which bankruptcy lawyers in the area often represent bankrupt persons. The local court house also provides names of lawyers in the area. Also note that the best bankruptcy attorneys don’t advertise at all – you have to find them.