You see their ads on television, billboards and on every webpage related to debt relief - - the stereotypical “Big City” bankruptcy lawyer. They play on your emotions and promise you immediate relief from debt collectors and creditors. However, what they do not explain in their advertising is that they are more of a “mill” than a law firm. You are a file number and a retainer fee, rather than a real person with real financial problems. If you are considering bankruptcy, this doesn’t have to be your experience.
There are bankruptcy lawyers out there that treat you as an individual, with emotions and unideal financial circumstances. However, if you don’t go this route, you are at risk of succumbing to the dangers of choosing a stereotypical lawyer:
What are the Dangers of Choosing a Stereotypical Lawyer?
- The biggest disadvantage of choosing one of these law firms is that the lawyer you meet with for your consultation may not be the lawyer that you see when you hire the firm (if you see a lawyer at all). You will be shuffled from lawyer to lawyer as you go through the bankruptcy process. Rather than having a bankruptcy lawyer that is familiar with your unique financial situation, you are placed with whatever lawyer has an open slot. You want a lawyer who takes the time to understand your situation and who is committed to helping you through this difficult time in your life. Our bankruptcy lawyers take the time to get to know each client so that we can make this process as stress-free as possible.
- Many of these firms and lawyers have a pretentious demeanor. You may feel looked down upon, judged and intimidated when you meet with one of these lawyers. Rather than seeing you as an individual who needs help dealing with a serious financial crisis, these lawyers place blame for your financial situation squarely on your shoulders. It is our belief that most debtors are in this situation due to circumstances beyond their control, such as unemployment or a sudden illness. You need a bankruptcy lawyer who is going to be your partner in finding a resolution to your debt problems, rather than someone who is going to cause you to feel shame about your current financial situation. Unlike these firms, we understand this is a difficult and painful decision and we are here to give you the support, encouragement and guidance you need to solve your debt problems.
- You are going to get the run around. Every time you call the law firm, you will speak to a different receptionist, then get transferred to a different assistant and maybe, if you are lucky, you will get to speak to a lawyer, but probably not the one assigned to your case. Again, these “Big City” law firms are not interested in helping you recover from a financial crisis. They only want to hurry you through the process so they can close your file and move on to the next paying customer. You are handed off to whoever is available at that moment, rather than being treated as an individual. Filing bankruptcy is a serious decision and you deserve to be treated with respect.
- You become just another case filing to generate money for the law firm. The lawyers in these firms are looking at one thing - - their profits. Instead of seeing clients as individuals, they see them as case files. There is no personal attention or investment of time in the client. You are much more than some documents in a file folder; you are a real person with feelings, concerns and questions. We may have answered the same question hundreds of times; however, when you ask a question, you deserve to have it answered thoroughly to ensure you are comfortable with the bankruptcy process.
- When you hire a bankruptcy lawyer, you expect to have your case filed within a reasonable period of time. However, when you are but one file of hundreds, weeks or months pass before your bankruptcy is filed and you get to court. The filing of your bankruptcy may be pushed further back because some assistant or junior lawyer wants to move another case along more quickly. Your file is shifted between several lawyers and assistants so that it never receives the proper attention you deserve. We understand your time is valuable and that you want to move as quickly as possible through the process so that you can begin rebuilding your finances and your life.
Choose the Right Partner
Your bankruptcy lawyer should be your partner. And, when you choose a partner you want someone you can trust to be honest, open and willing to fight for you. In your search for debt freedom, choose a partner that sees you as more than a file folder. Schedule a free bankruptcy consultation with a lawyer that will be with you in the beginning, and all the way through to the very end.