Filing for bankruptcy is possibly one of the scariest things to go through because of the surrounding stigma. Your best bet for a successful outcome is going to be choosing a good bankruptcy lawyer who has your interests in mind. While it is fully possible to file on your own, it isn’t something that we would advise you to do.
The judicial system is complicated for many people. The average person rarely has the legal training to understand the complexities of the law. That is why a lawyer is there to help you through the process. Mistakes and misunderstandings can cost you your case in the long run.
Qualities Every Bankruptcy Lawyer Should Have
When you are searching for a lawyer, here are some of the key things that you should keep in mind as you shop around for someone to represent you.
- Look For a Specialist
Many lawyers practice in multiple areas of the law. You are going to get the most out of your relationship with a lawyer if they are specializing in bankruptcy law. Lawyers who dabble in a little bit of everything may not know the small special aspects of bankruptcy law or are up to speed on the latest legal developments in this area of practice. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t want your general practitioner to perform heart surgery on you, so why hire someone that doesn’t specialize in this area of the law?
- Has Adequate Experience
Experience is key. You want someone who knows how to handle bankruptcy cases and be successful. Just because someone has taken on many cases doesn’t mean they are the person for the job. You have to look at their success rate in cases like yours. Just because someone has dabbled in the law for 25 years doesn’t mean they have the experience in bankruptcy to handle your case.
- Local Expertise
Your lawyer should be local to your area. Laws vary from place to place, and having a local lawyer means you have someone who knows the laws where you are from. Not only that, but they often know the judges and that can help you. By knowing how the people in the area work, the lawyer can put together a case that has the most favorable chance of winning.
- Comfort Level
At the end of the day, you should hire a lawyer that you feel comfortable with. You won’t get anything done if you and your lawyer butt heads constantly. Don’t make the decision based solely on price either. Paying for a talented lawyer can save you money in the long run.