Choosing a good New York attorney is no joke—that’s why you need to take your time and ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable.
New York, NY – Bankruptcy has long been associated with negative aspects and social stigma. Still, mental and emotional preparation when handling your own bankruptcy case can make all the difference.
Specialist lawyers are at your disposal to provide you with all the details. Below we have put together a quick guide to help you decide whether or not you need a bankruptcy attorney.
First things first: Do you actually have to file for bankruptcy?
In order to avoid the associated social stigmatization, many actually consider not filing for bankruptcy. However, this will usually do more harm than good. After all, much of the damage to your finances and reputation has already been done.
If you do not file for bankruptcy, you will find yourself in a difficult situation. Filing for bankruptcy provides protection from creditors and can save you from a significant portion (if not all) of your debt.
Of course, the level of security and help you get usually depends on the qualifications of your lawyer. This is why you want to select the best bankruptcy attorneys in New York.
How you do that?
You should feel comfortable dealing with your attorney.
Finance is a delicate matter, so you should always choose a lawyer you feel comfortable with. The more uncomfortable you are with them, the slower your case will progress.
Ideally, observe during your first meeting how the lawyer deals with your questions and concerns. Do they seem knowledgeable about their job? Do they seem particularly interested in your situation? And are they able to help you understand these complex legal matters?
Tip: Some law firms operate as “bankruptcy mills,” meaning their attorneys handle large numbers of similar bankruptcy cases and only work through them to make a profit. You do not want that. You need a lawyer who understands and supports you during this personally stressful time.
Make sure they understand local specifics.
Another important aspect of choosing the right attorney is making sure they understand what it means to represent a client in your state and city. While some legal matters are governed by federal law, many states have their own local peculiarities.
Ideally, your team of New York bankruptcy attorneys should have extensive local experience in similar cases.
Get a specialist.
Lawyer prepares a file; Image by advogadoaguilar, via Pixabay.com.
You might think that if you’re dealing with bankruptcy, you have to be a bankruptcy attorney. Unfortunately, due to the way the law works, some attorneys may handle multiple types of cases without specializing. In other words, you might find an attorney who does a few bankruptcies on the side that isn’t his area of expertise.
While some of these lawyers may be excellent, it’s best to see a specialist. Not only are they better informed, but they also have more experience and a higher chance of winning the case.
So if you’re scouring New York bankruptcy attorneys, you’d better go with someone who knows what they’re doing!
Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Many people feel insecure when they ask too many questions of a prospective attorney. But no worry. Remember that any reputable lawyer will be happy to share their experience and work things out for you, without your obligation to do so.
Choosing a good New York attorney is no joke—that’s why you need to take your time and ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable.