Can a Bankruptcy Lawyer Settle Credit Card Debt?

A bankruptcy lawyer represents a debtor before the bankruptcy court when the debtor files a bankruptcy petition for relief from creditors.  As part of their services a bankruptcy lawyer will:

• Review your financial situation based on information you give him about your income, assets, and the amount of your outstanding debt
• Help you determine which chapter of bankruptcy is appropriate for your situation
• Prepare the bankruptcy petition, the schedules, and statement of financial affairs
• Represent you in the meeting of creditors also known as a 341 Meeting
• Help prepare a chapter 13 plan if appropriate and make changes if necessary.

Prior to filing bankruptcy, it is possible that a bankruptcy attorney could try to settle credit card debt, especially if he is trying to help a client avoid filing bankruptcy.  The advantage of having a bankruptcy attorney assist you with try to settle credit card debt is:

• That the attorney can make sure everything is in writing
• That there are protections to you, as the debtor should the creditor breach any contract that is made to settle the debt
• Creditors may be more willing to work with a bankruptcy attorney because they may have developed a working relationship with this person through other bankruptcy filings

How Do You Choose a Bankruptcy Attorney?

Because of the upsurge in bankruptcy filings, many firms have started to handle bankruptcies because it is a new source of revenue.  In choosing a bankruptcy attorney you want:

• A lawyer that has experience with bankruptcy proceedings
• Check with the state bar association, for information on attorneys that practice bankruptcy law
• You may also contact the bankruptcy clerk’s office to see if they have a list of attorneys that practice regularly before the bankruptcy court
• If your situation permits do not be afraid to interview more than one attorney to determine which one you feel most comfortable.
• You need to be able to feel that you can ask questions of the person who represents you. This is an area of the law where it is best to have good legal counsel.

Talk to a Bankruptcy Attorney

If you plan to try to settle credit card debt or eventually file for bankruptcy, you should seek competent legal counsel.  A good lawyer will protect your interests and help you reach your financial goals.