Best Bankruptcy Lawyer Near You

Written and Verified by Ralph A. Ferro, Jr., Esq.

Choosing the best bankruptcy lawyer near you is an important decision.

Here are topics to consider before you make your decision. A decision to file bankruptcy is vital to your financial success and protection of your debtor rights. Whether you are looking to file a Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, these are important aspects of a bankruptcy lawyer to consider:

Compassion:

This is a life changing event. You need to explain your situation to a lawyer who cares. He/she is able to reduce your concerns in a truthful, clear and concerned manner. You are to be open and honest with your bankruptcy lawyer without being judged. You should be given an opportunity to explain how this situation occurred in your life and your future goals.

Bankruptcy Expertise:

Determine how many bankruptcy cases, he/she has handled. Success rate is key in filed bankruptcy cases (Chapter 7, Chapter 11 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy cases).

Board Certification https://njbankruptcylawfirms.com/board-certification/ – I am Board Certified in Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification.

Bankruptcy is a specialized area of law. The best bankruptcy lawyer should not mix bankruptcy law with all his/her other cases. Your lawyer should be a member of Bankruptcy Associations. In this way, you determine if he/she is committed to the specialty of bankruptcy law. Bankruptcy lawyers keep up to date on current laws by becoming and remaining Board Certified in bankruptcy law.

Personal Involvement in Your Bankruptcy Case:

Find a lawyer who handles your case personally. In other words, not just one who meets with you only on the first appointment. After the first appointment, a lawyer should not pass your case to either a paralegal or associate to handle. To assure continuity, one person should handle your bankruptcy case from start to finish.

Available/Reachable:

Deadlines need to be met and various information needs to put together in your bankruptcy petition. You may have questions after hours or on weekends. To facilitate your case, be sure you are able to reach your bankruptcy lawyer by email, phone and/or text after hours and on weekends. Appointments need to be flexible around your schedule. He/she should return your phone calls. Nothing is more frustrating than not getting a return phone call. You do not need your lawyer to be a source of more stress for you.

Protection of Your Debtor Rights:

The lawyer looks at your individual priorities and plans for the future. You need to decide about keeping your assets (e.g. home and/car). If yes, your attorney should make this a priority in assuring that your home/car (assets) are not lost. The best bankruptcy lawyer protects your debtor rights. If you would like to keep your car(s), be sure he/she discusses reaffirmation agreements with you and your cars are not taken creating another “problem”.