Bankruptcy attorneys – what do they do and what to expect?

Are you in debt that you cannot get out of? Then filing for bankruptcy is a good way of getting out of burdensome debt. And you will most likely get a sense of relief and peace of mind once your bankruptcy case is over.

But the process of declaring bankruptcy is complicated to understand as well as filling out the paperwork that this process requires. This is where the bankruptcy attorney comes in.

So what do they do? They are legal representatives who not only give you personalized legal advice but also deal with the paperwork and assist you throughout the process. Here are some common services that you can expect to get if you hire a bankruptcy attorney.

1) Proficiency in-laws and capability to get your work done

Not every bankruptcy case is complex, but they tend to be difficult. This is why your attorney needs to have the experience, knowledge, and skills necessary to handle your case.

You can find out whether the attorney is a good fit for your case by looking at their experience and asking them whether they have provided legal representation in similar cases. How difficult your case is will be dependent on the following:

•         Are you filing for chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy
•         What are the facts of your case?
•         Do you own a small business?
•         Will the bankruptcy trustee sell any of your assets?
•         And the presence of bankruptcy litigation.

2) Give you sound legal advice

The contract between you and your attorney, also known as the retainer agreement, will provide the list of services that your bankruptcy attorney will provide you. Among other services, it’s also your Fort Lauderdale Loan Modification Lawyer job to give you sound legal advice throughout the process.

The first thing you can expect from your attorney is whether filing for bankruptcy is the best option you have or is there another way to deal with your situation. Suppose declaring bankruptcy is the only way, then which type of bankruptcy (chapter 7, chapter 13, or another) is best for you, what you need to prepare to expect during the process, and whether your case has any specific complexities or risks. And you can also expect your attorney to respond to your emails and calls quickly to answer your queries.

3) Prepare your case and file paperwork

Filing for bankruptcy involves a load of paperwork. So bankruptcy attorneys have specialized software that prepares and files the paperwork with the court. You will need to give your complete financial information, including your income, assets, expenses, and debt.

This will be used by your attorney to prepare the forms and recheck the paperwork to make sure they are accurate. Additional forms may also be needed for the court or trustee. So your attorney needs to know the local laws and procedure of filing in order to file paperwork on time because missing a deadline can put a delay in your case, cause dismissal of the case, or other negative consequences.

4) Represent you at hearings

Once bankruptcy is filed, debtors need to attend a mandatory hearing. However, sometimes there may be additional meetings depending upon your case. Before you file bankruptcy, your bankruptcy attorney will be able to tell you about the hearings that you should expect to attend.

Conclusion

Filing for bankruptcy gives you a way out from being under heavy debt. But the process of bankruptcy is not an easy one and requires the expertise and skills of an experienced bankruptcy attorney, who will handle your case by ensuring your rights are protected, all your paperwork is accurately prepared and filed before deadlines, and that you have legal representation at the time of the hearing.