How do I choose my bankruptcy attorney? Cheaper is better, right?
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Well, the first question, first! Choosing your Bankruptcy attorney is an important task, so treat it as such. Many times, bankruptcy attorneys are the only attorneys that our clients have ever seen, so it’s a new experience, on top of the financial stress. This can lead to a mistake in the selection process.
Selecting a bankruptcy attorney is not like shopping for a car or getting a good deal on a consumer item. The relationship is much more important than the price. So, no, cheaper is not necessarily better. Do your homework. Do some research. Check your state bar web page, to determine how long the attorney has been practicing, and to see if there are any public issues. Check the BBB to see if there are any long outstanding or long history of complaints. Check the www to see if there are any long history of negative comments. Check the affiliations or memberships with relevant bankruptcy groups, such as the National Association of Bankruptcy Attorneys at www.nacba.org . Ask around for a referral from family or friends. Be sure to meet with your attorney or one of the associate attorneys, so that you have a comfort level in your ability to communicate, and to receive effective representation. Ask questions regarding overall successes and failures in the practice of Ch. 7 and Ch. 13. After this, price for representation is almost secondary. Certainly, you will have to be able to afford your attorney, so price is a factor, but remember, in a sense, your creditors are paying for your attorneys fees, not you, as you will likely use your former ‘minimum’ creditor payments to help pay for your bankruptcy. So, get the best experienced bankruptcy attorney you can, first and foremost.
John C. Colwell, San Diego Bankruptcy Attorney
Debt Relief Legal Clinic
San Diego, CA
877-663-3287
www.debtclinic.com
drlc@debtclinic.com
Member, Board of Directors, NACBA
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