Bankruptcy Law, Kingcade Garcia McMaken

What to Look for When Choosing a Bankruptcy Lawyer

Making the decision to file for bankruptcy can be a difficult one, but having the right bankruptcy attorney in your corner can make the process a seamless one. It helps to do your research, not only online but in person, too. The following tips can help someone who is considering filing for bankruptcy choose the best attorney for the job.

Experience Matters

Many people will start their search on the Internet, looking online to find a bankruptcy attorney. Experience is one factor that should always be considered when choosing an attorney. Experience does not just mean years practicing law. It is important to find someone who has filed cases in bankruptcy court and handles bankruptcy matters regularly. It helps a great deal to find someone who focuses his or her practice solely on bankruptcy law and who handles the specific type of bankruptcy the filer is pursuing instead of a general practice attorney who handles a little bit of everything. Many attorneys will handle only Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases, while others will handle corporate bankruptcies, restructuring and reorganization.

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How to Choose the Right Bankruptcy Attorney

Finding the right bankruptcy attorney is critical to the outcome of your case. The first place you can start is by visiting your state bar’s website to find out if the attorney is a Board Certified Consumer Bankruptcy attorney. You can also find out how many years an attorney has been practicing in the field of bankruptcy law.

Look for important award distinctions, such as an AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell. This distinguished award is achievable only after admission to the bar for at least ten years and indicates the highest level of legal ability and ethics. It also indicates that an attorney’s colleagues and the judiciary perceive him to be at the pinnacle of professional success.

When you check credentials and affiliations, it provides you with an assurance that the attorney has practical knowledge of the state’s bankruptcy laws. Next, visit the attorney’s website to see if the site contains educational information about filing for bankruptcy, answers frequently asked questions, provides client testimonials and informative videos.

Do your research on the bankruptcy attorney you plan to meet with and look for the following qualities:

1.The attorney should discuss alternative options with you. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a complete discharge of eligible debts, but it is not right for everyone.

2. The attorney should display a passion for the process. You should not hire an attorney to represent you in court who is indifferent about the process. Ask the attorney why he or she chose bankruptcy law and listen carefully to the response.

3. The attorney should understand you and your individual situation. Filing for bankruptcy can be a trying time, not only financially but emotionally. You need to find an attorney who possesses empathy and the willingness to listen to you.

4. Beware of discount bankruptcy attorneys. Finally, look out for an attorney who runs an extremely discounted rate on their bankruptcy services. These firms are commonly referred to as “bankruptcy mills” and crank out many cases at a time, not giving clients the one-on-one attention they deserve.

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If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.