Exhausting all remedies prior to filing for bankruptcy is clearly important because bankruptcy is known as the “last resort.” Filing BK will remain on your credit report for as long as 7 years in a Chapter- and 10 years in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing. Therefore, consider all other options prior to filing.
You don’t necessarily need to hire an attorney to file for bankruptcy. However, it is always best to do so considering you are dealing with something so important as becoming debt free. Does your attorney know about the difficulties you are facing and how the new bankruptcy laws affect your financial situation? Do you have bank levies or wage garnishments? Are you a party to a lawsuit? Have you or are you facing foreclosure on your home? Make sure your attorney is aware of these situations and how he will handle these situations.
Your bankruptcy attorney must be familiar with the new laws that affect bankruptcy filings. In 2005, a new set of rules have been set in place making it difficult for individuals to file for bankruptcy. Although it has made it difficult to file for bankruptcy (more hurdles to jump through), for the majority of individuals out there, it is somewhat easy to qualify them under the new bankruptcy laws.
If you are trying to get rid of your debt, finding a competent and compassionate attorney is important. Cost is a big factor! If you have very little money, you may be able to contact the Law Offices of Alon Darvish and speak to an attorney to handle your bankruptcy matter.
Bankruptcy attorneys in the Los Angeles area tend to charge a lot of money ($2,500 to $3,500) for a simple Chapter 7. Many have been coaxed into paying this kind of money for such a simple bankruptcy petition. It doesn’t take much work for the attorney to file a chapter 7 bankruptcy petition.
Would you perform an operation on yourself? The answer is no! This is the thinking you should have when hiring a bankruptcy attorney. With something so important, don’t leave it in your own hands – hire a professional! However, don’t pay thousands of dollars when you don’t have to.
The case of paying for more isn’t always true. The average American doesn’t have such a complicated case when it comes to filing for bankruptcy. Yet attorneys tend to charge thousands of dollars for something so simple merely because they can. If you have a simple case (no assets, just credit card debt), you don’t need to pay $3,000 to file a simple Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
When contacting a bankruptcy attorney, you will usually be speaking with a paralegal or legal assistant. However, when considering to file for bankruptcy, make sure you speak with an actual attorney and not a paralegal. Attorneys know the law and they are the ones that can answer questions about your home, your car, and what debts can be discharged.