Finding the Right Bankruptcy Lawyer for You in Southfield, Michigan
Every now and then, people reach out to us that want to sell their homes due to a bankruptcy.
To help people facing similar situations, I wanted to make this post to help people find the right bankruptcy lawyer for them.
Besides, from what I’ve read, making a bad choice of representation can be devastating on your financial situation.
Let’s get to the tips.
1. Educate Yourself
Remember that it’s you facing bankruptcy, not the lawyer. What I’m trying to say, is that no one is going to care about your situation like you are.
So learn about the process yourself, so you can look over your lawyer’s shoulder here and there.
There’s a bunch of reasons why you’d want to know a little bit yourself.
For one, it’ll help you ask good questions when you’re interviewing prospective lawyers.
A prospective client that knows their stuff let’s the lawyer know that they won’t be able to just tell you anything when it comes to interacting with you as a client. This can improve your chances of them being accountable.
It can also give them a little nudge to work harder for you. If they know you’re savvy, and “know a lil’ bit,” they’re more apt to stay on top of things, since they know you’re educated on what they should be doing.
Of course, this isn’t full proof, but it definitely won’t hurt.
2. Move Quickly, But Carefully.
You want to move with tact, and take your time when you’re looking for a bankruptcy attorney; but you don’t want to take forever, either.
Wait until the last minute to make a move, you may not give yourself the time you really need to search and find the right lawyer for you.
Plus, if you seriously need to file, time probably isn’t on your side. There’s a good chance you’re swimming in debt, and need to make a move before you start drowning.
3. Find Out The Going Rate in Southfield/Oakland County
You don’t want to shafted by hiring someone that ends up charging you too much…
…On the other hand, though, you don’t necessarily want the cheapest lawyer, either.
So to help yourself out, why not get an idea of what to expect fee-wise?
How? By contacting the Oakland County Bar Association (Google “Oakland County Bar Association”).
From what I’ve read, they can give you a range of fees you should expect to pay a lawyer for helping you through your bankruptcy.
4. Watch Who You Trust
In this economy (especially here in Metro Detroit), people are filing for bankruptcy left and right.
And you’d better believe people are out here doing their best to take advantage of that financially.
I’m hearing that there are quite a few people out here opening up practices that work with bankruptcies that don’t have the experience and expertise you’d expect for out of your bankruptcy lawyer.
They’re just trying to make some bucks.
Don’t let that happen to you. You can make sure the lawyer you hire is experienced and has the qualifications to meet your needs.
5. Get in touch with Regional Debtor/Creditor Committees
You might want to find out if the lawyer you’re considering sits on any local bankruptcy debt or lender committees.
While most lawyers joint these groups to gain business (and I don’t see anything wrong with that), I think it’s also fair to assume that a lawyer on one of these committee’s take their jobs seriously, and are knowledgeable.
And that’s good news for you.
Anyways, I did a Google search for “Oakland county bankruptcy debt committee”, and found a couple names of some lawyers that are involved in these types of committee’s.
You might want to do the same.
You can try other searches similar to that one as well, and see what you come up with.
6. Check with Reliable Organizations
There’s organizations you can reach out to for help, too.
Organizations like the American Bankruptcy Institution, and the Organization of Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers are two good places to start.
Reach out to them, and ask for some suggestions/recommendations of bankruptcy lawyers in the Southfield area.
Alright, I have to run, but click the link below for part two.
Bankruptcy Lawyers in Southfield Michigan | 11 Keys to Hiring a Good One
What do you think is one of the biggest concerns a person should have when they’re considering filing for bankruptcy? Leave a comment.
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References:
Why Hire a Bankruptcy Lawyer? (via betterbankruptcy.com)
What to Look for When Hiring a Bankruptcy Attorney (via ezines.com)
Free Bankruptcy Attorney Hiring Tips (via changandcarlin.com)
