When you need to file for bankruptcy, having the right attorney can make all the difference between establishing a solid financial future and being left with nothing. Choosing the right attorney is paramount to the success of your case,. That is why you must be diligent when deciding who to hire. One way to know that you have selected the right Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney is by asking some of the following questions.
Filing for bankruptcy is a significant decision. And, the first thing you need to determine is whether it is a good idea for you or not. Sometimes, bankruptcy is not the answer to your financial woes. When you meet with your attorney, they should take the time to review your situation. Furthermore, they should provide you with options that best work for your particular circumstances. They should explain the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. They should want to know about your income and assets. A sign of a good attorney is that they will request you provide certain pertinent information at the first meeting for them to better understand your case and make a recommendation.
When you meet with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney, you will need to ensure they outline the pros and cons of filing for bankruptcy. It is a red flag if they only focus on the pros and not give you realistic expectations. A short, general answer is also unacceptable as this may be a sign that their level of experience is not where it should be.
Per state guidelines, certain assets are exempt from creditor attachment or seizure. It is imperative that your Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney be knowledgeable on this list and effectively relays it to you. When they review your assets, they should pinpoint which assets are non-exempt and which are exempt. If there are non-exempt assets, you may have options to choose from so you don’t have to lose them. Your attorney should be able to guide you on what these options are.
Before debtors get to the point of bankruptcy, they often try to sell off assets; maybe by posting online or holding yard sales. Yard sales are permissible and will not raise any red flags during bankruptcy filings. However, if items are sold at less than fair market value, items are sold to family members or close friends, or funds have not been received before filing, this can cause some problems. These funds may be seen as fraudulent. Your Chapter 7 Bankruptcy attorney must be aware of these transactions. Moreover, they must review them to make sure you are being completely transparent with the court.
The case may come to a point where a court appearance is necessary. This can be a stressful situation for anyone, especially for someone unfamiliar with the legal process. While you may not think that your case will require a court appearance, it might. And, you need to be reassured that your attorney will be there during the process. Ask your attorney if they will be present and what a court appearance will entail.
At The Law Offices of Emil Fleysher, we are prepared to answer these and all other questions you may have regarding your bankruptcy filing. Call us at 888-886-0020 to schedule a free consultation. Our Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney can answer all of your questions and make the filing process as easy as possible.
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