Most good bankruptcy lawyers do not charge for an initial consultation in their office. During this first meeting, the lawyer should be able to assess your financial situation, understand your goals and outline the legal options that are available to you.
You will want to determine whether you and the lawyer communicate well. Also, at the end of the meeting you want to have confidence that your case will be professionally handled with care and competence and that you’ll be treated with the respect you deserve.
Here are six tips to help make your meeting productive.
1. Before the meeting, write down all of your questions so you will be sure to gather the information that is important to you. Check out any online reviews about the firm. Ask your family, friends and pastor is they would recommend them.
2. Find out what percentage of the lawyer’s practice is in personal bankruptcy. You want to work with a specialist lawyer whose sole focus is your interest – bankruptcy. Look around at the office. Is it tidy and professional?
3. Ask how long they have been practicing bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is complicated and you want a lawyer with experience and a team of dedicated professionals to complete all of the paperwork and forms for you and to ensure that all of the details are handled properly. Are you being treated with compassion and respect.
4. Pay attention to how your questions are answered. Do you understand everything completely? Is the lawyer willing to provide additional explanation and clarification? Ask if a lawyer from the firm will personally meet you, stand with you and speak for you in hearings or in court.
5. Determine if there are any unique or troublesome issues in your case. If there are, ask about the possible consequences and any additional costs. Are there any charges if you call later with questions?
6. Review the pricing of the services. Most lawyers charge a flat fee for a bankruptcy but sometimes there can be additional costs. Has the lawyer fully explained the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies and why one or the other may be better suited to your particular goals. Get the fee agreement and other provisions in writing.
At the conclusion of the initial, free meeting, you should have a clear understanding of your options and have a good idea about how well you can work with the lawyer and their firm. If you have any concerns, it is OK to leave that first meeting without retaining the lawyer and to interview other lawyers who may be more suitable.
Boleman Law attorneys are bankruptcy specialists
The 13 lawyers and 30 professional staff at Boleman Law will help you through the often confusing and emotional bankruptcy process. We will complete all of the paperwork for you. To save time filings are sent electronically. Home foreclosure or vehicle repossession may be stopped immediately. We stay with you throughout the course of your bankruptcy.
Boleman Law is the largest consumer bankruptcy firm in Virginia. Since 1991 we have helped more than 140,000 Virginians regain their financial health.
