When financial problems become serious enough to cause stress on your personal and family life, it may be time to take legal action that might improve the situation. Whether you are thinking about filing for bankruptcy, or just want to learn more about your debt relief options, you should speak with an experienced bankruptcy attorney. Meeting with a bankruptcy attorney to discuss your situation and explore your legal options is the best way to ensure the most favorable outcome – personally and financially – for your situation.
Why You Should Consult a Bankruptcy Attorney
No matter the specific circumstances of your financial situation – whether you need relief from harassing creditors, are looking to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or just want to understand your debt relief options under the law – now is the time to make sure you will have an experienced bankruptcy attorney on your side to help you achieve a satisfactory resolution to your financial problems. Technically, an individual filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is not required to have an attorney. However, perhaps more so than in other type of case, what can be at stake in a bankruptcy or debt relief matter can seriously impact you now and for many years in the future, not just financially but also on a personal level. Getting it right can be important to putting your finances back together. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can help achieve this goal.
Having a bankruptcy attorney is increasingly important. In 2005, Congress passed the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act. Among other changes, this law modified existing bankruptcy procedures, shifting responsibility for providing documentation and proving an inability to pay debts to the bankruptcy debtor. These changes went into effect on October 17, 2005. Major changes in the bankruptcy code can shake up how courts and attorneys proceed through even established legal cases such as bankruptcies. The intricate, complicated nature of bankruptcy law makes it one area where the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney is essential. Proceeding
What a Bankruptcy Attorney Will Do
An experienced bankruptcy and debt attorney will evaluate your case with you and explain all of your legal options. This should cover everything from the bankruptcy process to more informal debt relief actions such as negotiating with creditors and reaching a non-bankruptcy "debt workout" agreement. If you retain the attorney, he or she will guide you through the bankruptcy process. For Chapter 7 filings, the average debtor can have their debts discharged within six months. For Chapter 13 filings, the process can take from three to five years. In either case, having an attorney can help you navigate these proceedings.
Attorneys are required to zealously represent their clients. Any attorney you hire will act to protect your legal rights, your assets, and your personal interests, all with the goal of ensuring that the outcome of your situation is as favorable for you as possible.
Finding an Experienced Bankruptcy Attorney
To find a bankruptcy and debt attorney or law firm to help you with resolution of your debt situation, go to the "Find a Lawyer" box below. You can also search for an experienced Bankruptcy Attorney near you by using the FindLaw Lawyer Directory.
