Life is not a bed of roses. We all go through some form of financial difficulty at some point in our lives. Yet, none of them will ever be as scary or daunting as facing bankruptcy. Filing for bankruptcy and going through the entire process can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. And nobody deserves to go through such an enormous and distressing financial crisis alone.
To handle the situation and everything else that comes with it, you will need an experienced bankruptcy lawyer Los Angeles by your guidance. You will definitely need one for guidance and representation in court.
In a case like this, a smart move is to work with the Law Offices of R. Grace Rodriguez if you want to get a desirable outcome. We work diligently to make sure your rights are protected at every step — even rights you may not be aware exist. Our attorneys are fully trained, educated and experienced, and able to provide you with a way out of the crisis you are facing.
If you are looking to hire a competent bankruptcy attorney that you can work with, we have compiled five questions that you must ask the attorney to tell if he is a professional one or not. Let’s proceed.
Ask Your Lawyer How Long They Have Been Practicing
Although a law firm may handle bankruptcy cases, it does not mean they specialize in bankruptcy law. If you want the highest possible success rate for your case, you need to work with a lawyer that understands bankruptcy law like it is second nature.
You should not be among the few that think asking a lawyer straight out about their experience is rude. It is often the best and easiest way to find out his knowledge and competencies. Your attorney might even appreciate you for not wasting both of your time by beating around the bush.
Ask The Type Of Bankruptcy You Should File For
You must understand that there are two types of bankruptcy. There is the Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. It strictly depends on what you intend to achieve with the said process.
Chapter 7 is a liquidation bankruptcy, where the court sells all your non-exempt assets and uses the money to pay your creditors. On the other hand, Chapter 13 is a form of reorganization bankruptcy that allows you a more affordable repayment plan for your debts.
After assessing your assets, liabilities, and overall financial situation, your bankruptcy attorney should be able to determine which type of personal bankruptcy suits you best.
Ask Your Lawyer How Much The Whole Process Will Cost
Attorneys charge different rates for their services. Newer lawyers may be more affordable, while established firms with experienced attorneys are expected to have higher fees.
Before you take another step on your bankruptcy case, it is advisable that your lawyer for his workmanship and service fee. This should include court and administration expenses, filing costs, and attorney’s fees. In case of miscellaneous or other unplanned charges, factor those in as well.
Ask Your Lawyer For Other Alternatives Asides From Bankruptcy
Everybody has their unique financial situation, and it may differ significantly. Not every case requires filing for bankruptcy, and your lawyer is supposed to understand this. After discussing your present financial state with your lawyer, they are supposed to tell you whether filing for bankruptcy is the best option to deal with this.
Most lawyers will not do this. Instead, they will convince you to file for bankruptcy where they can keep on collecting more and more money from you in the long run.
If you hire a good lawyer, they will never recommend filing for bankruptcy if it is not suitable for you.
Ask If They Will Accompany You To Court
One of the most stressful parts of filing for bankruptcy is having to deal with regular court appearances. However, having your lawyer with you during the proceedings can give you the confidence boost you need.
It is common for law firms to send another attorney in place when the lawyer assigned to you cannot make it to court due to one reason or the other. If you are not comfortable with this type of setup, you should discuss the arrangement with your lawyer early on.
Ease Yourself the Stress And Get The Right Bankruptcy Attorney from The Law Offices Of R. Grace Rodriguez
If you are planning to hire a lawyer to help you with your bankruptcy case, you can never get it wrong when you work with the law offices of R. Grace Rodriguez. We know and understand the issues that clients face when dealing with bankruptcy, and we know how to solve them.
We understand financial and legal difficulties can be embarrassing and that it requires great courage to even call an attorney. Our job is to work with you and devise an escape plan so you can live the debt-free life you have always wanted.