Bankruptcy Attorneys: you get what you pay for...

Hiring a Bankruptcy Attorney is an Important Decision that Shouldn’t Necessarily Be Decided on Fees Alone.

First of all, my name is Lori Patton and I practice bankruptcy law in Orlando, Florida. I meet with clients all the time who need help with their finances. If you’re drowning in debt it would seem logical that you’d look for the cheapest bankruptcy attorney. While it makes sense in theory, looking for the cheapest bankruptcy attorney can be a mistake. Let me tell a little story:

Several of my staff are out of the office this afternoon, so I’m pulling phone duty. A man just called and said he was shopping bankruptcy attorneys and had “several questions” but his first was “how much?” for an individual Chapter 7 bankruptcy. I told him the fees and costs and he replied “so you’re the most expensive one in Orlando.” (I know for a fact that I am not the most expensive, by the way.)

He didn’t ask any other questions or let the conversation go any further, which was a mistake. Here’s why: Obviously Bankruptcy is hot right now. Other areas are not so hot and the attorneys whose wells are drying up are looking for other wells to dip into. This is a big issue and problem, at least here in Central Florida, where attorneys inexperienced in bankruptcy buy the software and then start undercutting the market. This is a classic example of YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. So a couple questions you may be asking are “What’s the difference? A lawyer is a lawyer.” and “How do you know if you’re getting a good one or not so good one?” I will answer them for you:
What’s the difference? A lawyer is a lawyer, right?

Experts say that filing a bankruptcy is one of the top 5 most traumatic events that can happen in an American’s adult life, right up there with death of a loved one and divorce. It’s a big deal. The law that is in place is complex with requirements and timelines that can be unforgiving if missed. While we may make it look like it’s just filling out some forms and showing up a time or two to places, it’s much more complex. The experienced bankruptcy attorneys make it look easy because that’s our job and we do it well. You wouldn’t ask a family doctor to perform your heart surgery would you? Just like a doctor can’t (and shouldn’t) do all medicine, an attorney can’t (and shouldn’t) do all legal. There are many pitfalls out there in the bankruptcy process. An experienced, skilled bankruptcy attorney can guide you in the right direction and give you the individual attention you deserve. A cheaper fee might not mean as much attention or care at a time you need it most. If you are seriously considering bankruptcy, take the time to find an attorney experienced in bankruptcy. The experienced bankruptcy attorney’s fees may be a hundred or so higher than the other guys, but… you know it’s coming… You get what you pay for.

SEE ALSO: Finding the Right Bankruptcy Attorney

Lori Patton, Orlando Bankruptcy Attorney