Recently I heard a Colorado bankruptcy attorney offering entry into a monthly drawing for a "giant flat-screen TV" to clients who file bankruptcy. Another has a website offer for a drawing in which one lucky client will receive a "free chapter seven bankruptcy" each month. A third attorney advertises that he is a "family law firm" and before negotiating with debt collectors or filing for bankruptcy, you should see him (though he does not mention that he is a bankruptcy attorney).
Obviously I cannot say with any certainty that the law firms that advertise on television or radio, or offer incredible give-aways are good or bad attorneys. I can say that their offices are probably busy. Of course there are thousands of attorneys who do not use give-aways or advertise on radio or television, so how do you find the attorney that suits you?
After you get past the ad or the give-away, what type of service do you want from your attorney? While we all need a giant flat-screen TV, are we going to choose a bankruptcy attorney simply because we could potentially win a TV by using that attorney? If you answered yes then you can stop reading now.
When choosing a bankruptcy attorney it is important to find an attorney who is going to ask you important questions and answer your questions at your initial consultation or early in the process. In some busy bankruptcy offices, debtors are paired up with paralegals or office staff for their initial consultation. Important information regarding the debtor's individual circumstances may not be brought to the attorney's attention in a timely manner and this can lead to surprises later on.
While many people want to keep bankruptcy a private matter, it can be helpful to ask another professional. Many attorneys in other practice areas know of attorneys with good (and bad) reputations. Often times tax accountants and CPAs may be able to refer you to a reputable attorney. Friends are also a good source, and those who have had a good experience are usually happy to refer a friend in a similar situation.
Choosing a bankruptcy attorney because their fee is the lowest can also be a pitfall. Once an attorney is licensed, the attorney can practice in pretty much any area of law. The job market is slim these days even for some attorneys so be wary of inexperienced attorneys who know that bankruptcy is a busy field in this economy. They may charge lower fees because of their inexperience or to get their market share because they do not have a client base for referrals. Always ask about an attorney's prior experience to get a feel for how knowledgeable the attorney is about the practice area.
When trying to choose an attorney, it is okay to shop around and get a feel for the attorneys' offices. If the office makes you feel comfortable, or if you are wary of something about the office, these are good indicators of what to expect. Look online for client testimonials to get a feel for how the attorney handled other people's cases. Then go with your instincts.
If you are in the market for a bankruptcy attorney, our office is not giving away a giant television, but we do offer a free consultation with a bankruptcy attorney. Our attorneys are knowledgeable and experienced. Bankruptcy is the only area of law that we practice. We offer every client individualized attention and focus on coming up with solutions even when bankruptcy is not the best option. Call Greenwald & Hammond today and set an appointment to discuss chapter 7 or chapter 13 with a compassionate attorney.
Submitted by:
Mindy Greenwald, Esq.
Bankruptcy Attorney
No comments:
Post a Comment