A bankruptcy attorney can help you get level-headed legal guidance based on the complex statutes that govern bankruptcy cases. They can also ensure that you don’t make any mistakes during the filing process that could have devastating financial consequences.
They can help you obtain a fresh start by erasing debt and stopping wage garnishments, foreclosures, and collection efforts from creditors. Here are some of the top reasons why you should hire a bankruptcy attorney:
They Can Help You Decide on the Right Course of Action
There are a lot of rules and regulations that apply to bankruptcy, and a skilled attorney can provide sage legal advice based on your unique situation. They will help you decide whether bankruptcy is the right course of action or if other debt relief options might be more suitable.
An attorney will also help you manage your paperwork, which can be a huge burden. It’s important to work with an attorney who understands the rules surrounding property valuation, what must be disclosed and what shouldn’t, and what happens if a bankruptcy trustee or judge finds out you have submitted inaccurate information.
It’s a good idea to ask prospective attorneys about their experience and how often they represent clients in a bankruptcy case. A great bankruptcy attorney will be open to answering questions and able to explain the process thoroughly. They should also have a written fee agreement that specifies how much they charge and what services are and aren’t included.
They Can Help You Manage Your Paperwork
Although it is possible to file bankruptcy without an attorney, statistics show that people are much more likely to get a positive outcome when they hire one. This is because attorneys know what paperwork must be filed and when, as well as how to properly argue your case.
A good bankruptcy lawyer will also help you manage any legal issues that arise during the course of your bankruptcy proceedings. For example, if your creditors ignore the automatic stay, which prohibits them from collecting debts while you’re going through the process, your bankruptcy attorney can petition the court to hold the creditor in contempt of court.
When interviewing prospective bankruptcy attorneys, pay attention to how they treat you. If they brush off your questions, are impatient with you, or give one-word answers, then you can expect them to act the same way during your bankruptcy proceedings. You want to choose an attorney who is professional, treats you with respect, and gives you a good vibe.
They Can Help You Negotiate With Creditors
Bankruptcy attorneys can help you negotiate with creditors for debt relief. They can help you develop a debt repayment plan in Chapter 13 bankruptcy or work to consolidate and renegotiate your debt with a debt settlement company.
This is important because creditors don’t want to be forced into bankruptcy and will often try to take advantage of debtors. A good attorney knows how to spot these tactics and can stop them in their tracks.
A lawyer can also help you manage the paperwork associated with a bankruptcy case. One mistake in the paperwork can put your entire case at risk, so it’s important to have an experienced and knowledgeable attorney handling the details.
A good attorney will hunt down all the paperwork and present it properly to avoid a creditor asking for a 2004(a) examination of your finances, which could be a sign that you’re hiding assets or not telling the truth. They can also help you deal with creditors that violate the automatic stay (the injunction that stops collection activity when a bankruptcy case is filed). The attorney will handle these issues on your behalf.
They Can Help You Keep Your Assets
During a bankruptcy, your attorney will make sure you disclose and value your assets correctly. This will help you keep your property while eliminating certain debts. He or she will also choose and apply the right exemptions. This is important because some debts are not eliminated in bankruptcy (like student loans).
Bankruptcy attorneys in Harrisburg PA understand how to use the law to your advantage. They can stop creditors from contacting you, halt foreclosures and stop collection activities. In addition, they can petition the court to hold creditors in contempt of court if they violate the automatic stay.
Bankruptcy lawyers are valuable because they can save you time, money and stress. They can also help you get a fresh start by relieving you of debt. But before you hire an attorney, be sure to check out their experience and reputation. They should also be willing to provide you with a written fee quote and a breakdown of costs upfront.