To locate a local bankruptcy lawyer, several online directories offer to be of assistance. However, be aware that many of these directories only include attorneys who pay to be listed and offer no assurance of quality. Select your listings carefully.

Here are two places to look first:

The Association of American Lawyers.

The Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Association, National.

Bankruptcy attorneys can be found by searching the ABA website, which features a list of lawyers and firms that fulfil its standards for legal recommendation. The bar organisation in your state is also a good place to look for help in your area.

Bankruptcy lawyers are the only type of lawyers listed in the NACBA directory. Both customers going through bankruptcy and bankruptcy lawyers will find support from this group. However, NACBA membership is not indicative of quality or expertise due to the organization's lenient membership requirements.

Become credible and schedule a meeting.

Furthermore, if you are at ease doing so, ask friends and coworkers for recommendations in addition to user directories. Make an appointment with several lawyers that interest you and seem competent. Although the initial consultation with an attorney may be free of charge in some cases, in others, it may cost you up to $35. Don't discount lawyers just because they provide free consultations; it's a good way to get to know them, and it could end up being the path that leads you to the one you end up hiring.

When dealing with this person, how at ease would you feel?

Knowledge and skill

Expertise in bankruptcy law and applying that knowledge is a prerequisite for a successful case. Your lawsuit could be dismissed if you submit an incorrect form or fail to meet a filing date. And that's why you must consult an expert.

"Going with an attorney not experienced in bankruptcy can be quite dangerous because they could not understand how to read this difficult section of the law NACBA Director and Executive Director Dan Albert says. Someone with heart problems shouldn't go to a dermatologist, and vice versa.

Superior To The Typical Legal Counsel.

When contacting lawyers, inquire about any relevant experience or specialisation they may have. Those who have passed the American Board of Certification's bankruptcy certification exam have shown they are more knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the bankruptcy code than the typical attorney. The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Advocates (NACBA) is a good indication of whether or not a lawyer would fight for consumer interests in bankruptcy cases.

Find out how many Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies the attorneys you meet with have handled. Remember that a competent bankruptcy attorney will advise clients on all available options, including credit counselling and other means of avoiding bankruptcy.

Appropriate Remuneration

No universally accepted minimum or maximum fee for a bankruptcy attorney's services exists. However, Chapter 13 bankruptcies often cost more than Chapter 7 bankruptcies. Case-by-case and state-by-state, fees can range widely.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy, according to Albert, will cost you between $0 and $1,500, while Chapter 13 bankruptcy would cost you between $2,000 and $6,000. As the level of difficulty increases, so does the price tag. During your initial consultation, inquire about the attorney's pricing structure and ensure you understand the services included.

Conversing and getting along

Before hiring an attorney, consider whether or not you will be able to be completely honest with them.

Since "the quality of the communication is key because if you don't, as the client, feel comfortable... sharing what you're worried about, if you hide secrets, it will be a deal killer for your case," Moran adds, it's crucial that clients feel at ease enough to share their concerns. Moran claims she "has no means of knowing if my and your judgement of the problem is true" without having access to all of your data."

You and your bankruptcy lawyer have some important work ahead of you in securing the most favourable terms possible for your financial predicament. For that, you'll need to have some tough conversations, and for that, your commitment to honest dialogue will be invaluable.

Not something you can do on your own

Take your time and keep these traits in mind as you look.

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys are not easy to come by, but you should not let that deter you from retaining one. Self-representation in court is known as "pro se," and LaBert believes you shouldn't do it if you file for bankruptcy. He and Moran agree that the average person cannot handle bankruptcy matters independently if even a skilled attorney would struggle.