Bankruptcy Lawyers for Business,
Emergency and Personal Bankruptcy
Find the Right Chapter 7, Chapter 11,
Chapter 12 and Chapter 13 Attorneys

What To Look for in a Bankruptcy Lawyer

Bankruptcy is a court process where an individual or a business can have some of their debts dismissed, meaning they will not be liable for paying those debts. When an individual is facing having to file for bankruptcy, it can be a stressful and intimidating situation.

When facing the possibility of filing for bankruptcy, it is important to consult with a lawyer for help. There are several factors that an individual should look for in their bankruptcy lawyer, including:

• Fee structure: Many lawyers will charge a flat rate when taking on a bankruptcy case.
  • This means that a client will have a general idea of how much a bankruptcy lawyer’s services will cost.
  • It also means that the client will likely need to pay a portion of the flat fee upfront.
• Experience: The experience, skills, and reputation of a lawyer are important. Find an attorney who has been practicing for years and has a stellar reputation or success rate for resolving bankruptcy matters.
• Firm size and type: The size of a law firm may play a role. The general rule of thumb is that the bigger the law firm, the higher costs.
  • However, this is not necessarily true if a small firm solely handles bankruptcy cases.
  • The type of law firm will also affect how much a bankruptcy lawyer or firm costs.
• Firm location: The location of a firm or lawyer can also affect the price of a bankruptcy case.

When you are looking for a bankruptcy lawyer, you can use LegalMatch’s lawyer matching services to help you find a lawyer near you. When you submit your bankruptcy concern on LegalMatch, the attorney responses you receive will contain much of this information for you to review.

When Do You Need a Bankruptcy Lawyer?

You need a bankruptcy lawyer if you are considering filing for bankruptcy, do not know which chapter to file under, or have already started the process. Your bankruptcy lawyer can provide information on whether or not bankruptcy is the best choice for your situation and, if so, what chapter you are eligible to file under.

If you have already begun the bankruptcy process, your lawyer can review the previous filings for accuracy and ensure your rights are protected during the process. Specific examples of when you may need a bankruptcy may include:

• If you or your business need to file for bankruptcy and you need to know what your legal obligations are if the court approves their bankruptcy petition.
• If you need to gather, draft, and review all documents and any evidence pertaining to the bankruptcy matter.
• If you have any questions before, during, or after the bankruptcy petition is filed.
• If you are a family farmer or a family fisherman who is seeking relief under a Chapter 12 bankruptcy petition.
• If you need further assistance with bankruptcy issues, such as resolving disputes with creditors, converting chapter 13 to chapter 7 or vise versa, or stopping creditors.

There are specific rules that creditors are required to follow when an individual has filed for bankruptcy. Your attorney can explain these to you and what steps you can take if creditors are not acting appropriately.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Bankruptcy Lawyer in the U.S.?

The amount it costs to hire a bankruptcy lawyer in the United States will depend on several factors. These include the type of legal services they are being asked to provide and the fee structure that a law firm or individual bankruptcy lawyer assigns to a particular matter.

Without considering any other specific details, the average cost of a bankruptcy lawyer in the U.S. falls somewhere between $200 and $400 per hour. Of course, this is an estimate and will vary on a case-by-case basis. For instance, costs can be as high as $2,000 for a complicated bankruptcy case or as low as $500 for a straightforward filing.

The best way to calculate the total cost of hiring a U.S. bankruptcy lawyer is to speak with your prospective attorney about their hourly fees or rate structure. To learn more about the bankruptcy process or find a low-cost bankruptcy attorney near you, start by searching LegalMatch’s database.

How To Prepare for Your Consultation With the Bankruptcy Lawyer

If you have scheduled a consultation with a bankruptcy lawyer, it is important to prepare for that meeting before you go to make sure you make the most of your time. You should make a written list of any questions that you have about bankruptcy and your specific situation.

It is also important for you to gather and bring different types of documentation, which may include:

• All relevant financial documents, such as bank account statements, wage statements, and tax returns
• A list of creditors that you owe money to, their contact information, account numbers, and how much money you owe
• Documents relating to any outstanding loans that you have
• Any other financial information that you feel may be relevant to your bankruptcy
• The value of all major assets that you own including property, vehicles, or any other expensive items
• Any other information requested by your attorney

If you are filing for a business bankruptcy, you will likely need to bring additional documentation. This may include company balance sheets, budget reports, financial statements, and a list of company property.

Where To Find the Best Bankruptcy Lawyers in the U.S.

It is strongly encouraged that you hire a local bankruptcy lawyer for legal guidance on your bankruptcy matter.

An experienced bankruptcy lawyer can assist you in weighing the risks and benefits of filing for bankruptcy and help you select the proper chapter of bankruptcy based on your circumstances. They can also aid you in drafting and filing the legal documents required to file for bankruptcy in court.

Your lawyer can handle any issues or disputes that arise from your bankruptcy filing. Lastly, they can explain the next steps you must take depending on if the court approves or denies your bankruptcy petition.

You can use LegalMatch to find the best bankruptcy lawyers in the U.S. today. It only takes a few minutes for you to complete the free online submission form on the website. In around 24 hours, you will get messages from member bankruptcy attorneys in your area who are licensed and pre-screened and ready to help you resolve your bankruptcy situation.