Do I Really Need a Lawyer to File for Bankruptcy?

If you are reading this article you are probably contemplating hiring a bankruptcy attorney or filing bankruptcy on your own. While you may not necessarily have to hire an attorney to file bankruptcy it's a good idea if you can find one who's reasonably priced. You always have the option of representing yourself in any matter, no different than you don't need to go to a doctor if you're sick, but most people do. For this reason If you are if you understand the bankruptcy process and know how to file a bankruptcy petition with the courts you might consider this avenue, but for most consumers "doing it yourself" might not get you the best result. Bankruptcy attorneys will typically charge a flat fee starting in the neighborhood of $1,500 and up depending on the complexity of your bankruptcy case. For those who are considering bankruptcy as a debt relief option, this sounds like a lot of money and makes the "do-it-yourself" route look more attractive, but looks can be deceiving. Also, when you consider that your financial future is at risk, calling in an expert might make more sense. I mean, you don't do your own surgery do you? You hire a doctor when you break a leg. If your finances are broken, you hire a lawyer, and a bankruptcy lawyer specializes in fixing financial problems with bankruptcy.

The majority of bankruptcy attorneys will offer prospective clients a free initial consultation. Do some bankruptcy attorney shopping before you decide to represent yourself. A good attorney will tell you if bankruptcy is in your best interest or not, whether you should wait to file and what bankruptcy Chapter will get you the result you're looking for. A document preparer or paralegal can prepare your bankruptcy petition for you but cannot give you legal advice. However, many times they do and it's the wrong advice.Trust me, as bankruptcy attorneys we see it all the time!

When you are shopping, don't immediately hire the attorney who charges the least. Take note of how the lawyer and his/her staff treat you. Are you treated like a number or a person? Are your calls answered or returned on time? Can the bankruptcy attorney explain the fee to you and what it does and does not cover? In our office, our fee covers the filing fee you would have to pay the court to file your case whether you prepared your own petition or not, your credit report and a few other incidental costs you would also incur on your own. You will need to go online for a credit counseling coarse at your expense (typically $30.00) and that's it. Once you know exactly what you're paying for it's easier to compare lawyers.

There's no shortage of bankruptcy attorneys in this country, so finding one to talk to won't be as difficult as finding the right one for you at the right price.

At the end of the day, it is your life and your money. How you choose to spend it is up to you. While you probably don't need to hire the most expensive bankruptcy attorney in your area, keep in mind you usefully get what you pay for. With that in mind, think carefully about what is important to you and why you are filing for bankruptcy in the first place. Better to do it right the first time by hiring an attorney that properly files your bankruptcy than go it alone. At the Law Offices of Zhou & Chini we understand you're filing bankruptcy because of financial problems and we'll work with you on the bankruptcy fees and payment plans. We offer discounts to the disabled, elderly, civil servants, unemployed, students and single mothers. We hope this information helps, and incase you're wondering we can stop the collection calls on your first call to us and for as little as $495.00, and for 2 more payments we can file your bankruptcy and get your life back on track. Call and speak with a bankruptcy attorney at Zhou & Chini today. Call (800) 972 9600, you'll be glad you did.