Many people are going through financial hardship after the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports show that the pandemic caused the highest ever household debt because of job loss and low-income sources.
As a result, the number of bankruptcy filings is increasing. If you are also going through a debt-cycle and struggling to pay your debts, you need the right person to advise you to deal with such situations. Here you will learn how to choose a bankruptcy attorney who can give you the right advice based on your situation.
Questions to Ask A Bankruptcy Lawyer
As per bankruptcy attorney Montgomery Alabama, a client should always openly talk to the lawyer about their case and ask the following questions to the lawyer.
- How long have you been practicing bankruptcy law?
If you visit a legal firm, that doesn’t mean it only handles bankruptcy cases or specializes in bankruptcy law. It’s crucial to ask about their experience and how long the lawyer has been practicing who will handle your case.
If you want to get the highest success in your case, you should hire an experienced lawyer who knows the ins and outs of bankruptcy laws. Don’t shy away by thinking that it will be rude to ask lawyers about their experience. In the end, you will suffer if you lose the case.
- Will I pass the means test?
It can be hard to file a bankruptcy case because you need to pass the means test. It determines whether you are eligible or not. An experienced and qualified bankruptcy attorney can tell you about this in your first consultation.
The lawyer will ask you about your pay stubs and bills. Additionally, the bankruptcy lawyer would also ask you about your income whether it will change in the next six months. So, it’s crucial to choose the right bankruptcy attorney who can properly handle your case.
- Have you ever worked with a client like me?
Apart from that, you should ask the lawyers whether they worked with a similar client like you. If the lawyer responds yes, ask about the outcome. It will give you confidence that the lawyer has experience in handling a similar client means they can increase the chances of winning the case.
Remember, there is nothing wrong with asking lawyers about their experience and clients. However, the lawyers may not reveal the details of their clients but can surely talk about their case and outcome.
- What type of bankruptcy case should I file?
When it comes to filing a bankruptcy case, there are two options: chapter 7 and chapter 13. Chapter 7 is also known as liquidation bankruptcy, where the court pays your creditors by selling all your non-exempt assets.
On the other hand, chapter 13, which is also known as the recognition bankruptcy, is a better option that allows you to repay your debts with an affordable repayment plan. So, you should ask the lawyer to know which type of case you should file. Based on your financial situation, the attorney can tell which type of bankruptcy case is suitable for you.
- How much would the whole process cost me?
You might have come across advertisements on your television or the internet that attorneys offer a free consultation. However, you have to pay when you hire a lawyer to represent you in court.
Remember, every lawyer charges differently for their services. You need to be clear with all the fees, including filing fees, court administration costs, and other charges. Although the lawyer may not tell you the exact amount, he/she can give you an estimated cost.
Conclusion
After you ask these above questions to a bankruptcy lawyer, you will get a clear understanding of the lawyer’s experience and your situation. Apart from these, you can also ask other questions if you want. You should observe how the lawyer responds to your questions and notice the behavior to know the bankruptcy attorney’s personality before hiring.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind