Cheap Bankruptcy Attorneys
Finding cheap bankruptcy attorneys today may seem completely impossible but it can be done. When the time comes that you feel a bankruptcy is right for your financial worries, choosing an experienced bankruptcy attorney is a must. This however does not mean that you should have to pay an exorbitant fee for this attorney. There are a variety of consumer and business attorneys that will accept a bankruptcy case and not charge more than you can afford.
Where to Look for Cheap Bankruptcy Attorneys
One of the best places to find cheap bankruptcy attorneys is at a law school. Of course, law school students are not going to have much experience if any in filing and representing bankruptcy cases. Many law schools however typically have public clinics that are operated and directed by legal professionals. If you do not have a law school in your area then you may need to do a bit of research to find cheap bankruptcy attorneys. Check your local phone book. Most attorneys, particularly those that specialize in bankruptcies, will place advertisements in telephone directories listing their low fees. You can also see if there are any law firms in your area that may offer a pro bono service.
Things to Consider when Choosing an Attorney
While finding cheap bankruptcy attorneys may be at the top of your to do list, this is not the only consideration that you should have. You need to also ensure that the attorney you choose has the knowledge, continuing education credentials and experience needed to handle your case. An attorney who has never filed or represented a bankruptcy is simply not the best choice for a number of reasons. You want to be certain that your chosen attorney knows and keeps updated with the most current bankruptcy laws on both your state and the federal level. Again, this does not mean that you should be expected to pay more than you can afford for bankruptcy attorneys, but you should not allow cost to be your only determining factor.
Questions to Ask
When choosing your bankruptcy attorney there are a few things that you can do to ensure that you get a lower rate. Of course, filing fees are going to be non-negotiable. These are not set by the attorney but by the courts. You can however, see if your chosen attorney will allow you to make payments on your bankruptcy as opposed to paying in full before you file. Many will allow you to include your payments into your bankruptcy pay-off for Chapters 11 and 13. You will need to ask about the payment structure and see if a payment plan is a feasible option. If not, then you can check with other attorneys in your area. If you are filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you will likely have to have the fees paid in full before the bankruptcy discharges. This is something else that you will need to speak with the attorney about during your consultation, which incidentally is free through most law offices.