When you make the decision to resolve your debt problems through bankruptcy, the next step you will need to take is to choose a bankruptcy attorney. The attorney that you choose is one of the most important decisions you will make after you decide to file a bankruptcy. Below are 10 questions that you should ask before hiring a bankruptcy attorney.
1. Is Bankruptcy All They Do?
Would you let your family physician perform heart surgery on you or your family? Of course not! The same principle applies to the professionals you lean on during your financial illness. Bankruptcy is not just what we do, it’s ALL we do. Because bankruptcy is all we do, we are good at it.
2. Will They Accept Installment Payments for Their Attorney’s Fees?
If you are seeking an attorney due to financial problems, the attorney you choose should understand you need flexibility in order to pay for that help. An attorney who is not willing to work with you on payments is demonstrating to you that you are just another case to them. Their concern for your wellbeing does not extend beyond your ability to pay their attorney fees.
Our guiding principle is to HELP you get your life back by offering no money down on our fees. For a Chapter 13, you will only pay the filing fee and credit counseling courses up front, because all of our fees are paid through the plan.
3. What is the Firm’s Philosophy Towards Their Clients?
You should be able to trust that the attorneys can help solve your financial difficulties. A bankruptcy law firm that does not instill a sense of security, protection or understanding makes it more difficult for you to feel like you can be open and honest, which is essential when you are filing a bankruptcy.
At Kain & Scott, our motto and promise to our clients is “We don’t judge you, we help you get your life back.” Some of the ways that we help you include:
a) Helping you fill out the necessary forms
b) Require no money down
c) File your bankruptcy within days, not months
We make it a priority to make you feel that this is a place where you can get help. We want you to come as you are.
4. Will the Firm Make You do all the Work?
The decision to file can be overwhelming and we understand that; therefore, the last thing you need is to receive a HUGE packet of information, most of which you may not understand and left on your own to complete the information. We do things differently because we know there is a better way. We are here to HELP you get your life back. Our staff and attorneys HELP you fill out the necessary forms so you can focus on what is important – your family.
5. Do I Get to Keep the Same Attorney I Met with at First?
When you hire an attorney to help you through a very personal situation you do not expect to get the same type of customer service your cable company provides. Your attorney should be your rock – your constant, consistent source of support, advice and comfort. The attorney you first meet with should be your attorney throughout the entire case.
6. Can the Firm File My Bankruptcy in Days, Not Months?
Deciding to file bankruptcy can be a long process, which means your financial situation has had a significant amount of time to escalate. When you do decide on a path to resolve your debt problems, it is always better if the resolution comes sooner rather than later. By this point, you are sick of waiting and watching things in your life go from bad to worse.
Once you make the decision to file bankruptcy you want to get on with it, to get your life back as quickly as possible. Because bankruptcy is all we do, we can file your bankruptcy case within days of meeting with you, rather than weeks or months later.
7. Does My Attorney Meet with Me to go Over My Paperwork and Answer My Questions?
Your attorney should meet with you to review every single page of the petition and schedules to ensure the information contained in the paperwork is correct. It is very important to make sure the information is complete and accurate. You should not be expected to understand bankruptcy laws or the documents you are signing, that is why you pay attorney’s fees.
8. Do I Feel Like Just Another Case Filing for the Firm?
As you are going through this emotional period in your life, the last thing you need is to feel that you are just an annoyance or another filing for the firm. Our employees and attorneys are trained to provide exceptional client service. From the moment you call our office, you will notice something is different.
9. Do the Attorneys Have Bankruptcy Experience?
Your financial situation and future is not something to hand over to just anyone. Experienced attorneys know what they are doing – your case will not be their first dance. We feel our 47 years of combined bankruptcy experience not only displays our experience, but also our love for helping people find relief.
10. How Many People has the Firm Helped?
Let the attorney’s bankruptcy filing quantities speak for themselves. These numbers indicate experience, and like I just stated, you shouldn’t trust your financial situation with just anyone.
At Kain & Scott, bankruptcy is not just what we do, it’s ALL we do. We have filed thousands of bankruptcy cases! Thousands have gone before you to get their lives back – you can too!
If you’d like us to answer these questions in further detail, or you have additional questions to ask, request a free bankruptcy consultation. We are more than happy to answer all of your questions.
