How Choosing the Bankruptcy Attorney Can Affect Your Case
Did you know that there are different types of bankruptcy attorneys in Arizona? Arizona bankruptcy law allows you to file for a variety of bankruptcy types and formats. Because of this, your bankruptcy attorney might specialize in a certain type of bankruptcy.
A poor choice in your bankruptcy attorney could make the courts reject your filing, provide less favorable terms or make your financial recovery process longer.
The difficult part for individuals looking for a bankruptcy attorney is that they are already struggling financially. Some attorneys take advantage of that situation and advertise discounted rates. The reality is, you get what you pay for.
If your attorney is only half devoted to your bankruptcy filing or not giving you the attention you deserve or that you need to get your filing in a good place, you should shop around for another attorney.
Like all Arizona laws, bankruptcy law is complicated. One wrong move in your filing and the courts could deny your request and you’ll find yourself continuing to answer those debt collector calls.
Here are some important factors in choosing an Arizona bankruptcy attorney who meets your needs.
Click here for a guide on finding a bankruptcy attorney.
What to look for in an Arizona bankruptcy law attorney
So what’s the big difference between a good bankruptcy lawyer and a not-so-good one? The difference could mean keeping your house, life insurance policies, 401(k) or other retirement account, business, etc.
In some bankruptcy situations, you must liquidate and surrender all assets in your name. However, a good attorney knows how to help you work through a way to avoid doing that.
Even worse, if your bankruptcy filing is handled poorly or documented incorrectly, you could face counter lawsuits from the creditors you owe money to. And if those creditors win the lawsuit, it could overturn your debt discharge, leaving you with the same bills you have today.
To avoid issues with your Arizona bankruptcy filing, here’s what you should look for in an attorney.
- Offers a free consultation
- Has experience in the type of bankruptcy you’d like to file
- Asks you questions about your situation during the consultation instead of only talking about themselves
- Holds awards or ratings in bankruptcy law (i.e., Super Lawyers, Avvo, Best Lawyers, Certified by the Arizona Bar, Martindale Hubbell, U.S. News and World Report Best Lawyers, etc.)
- Can discuss their success rate for cases like yours
- Provides references you can talk to who have worked with the attorney previously
If you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about the job that your attorney is doing for your bankruptcy filing, you can hire a new attorney. A new attorney can evaluate what’s been done and help guide you in the next steps to fix your filing to ensure your long-term financial success.
Business bankruptcy vs. personal bankruptcy attorney
Both individuals and businesses can file for bankruptcy. And, when a business is a sole proprietorship, you might even have options as to whether to file for business bankruptcy or personal bankruptcy depending on how your business was formed.
But these two types of bankruptcy differ greatly. Ensure that you have the right attorney in your corner by checking to see if they have experience in that type of bankruptcy. Business bankruptcy can be even more complicated than personal bankruptcy. And if done improperly, a business bankruptcy filing could have bearing on your personal finances.
During your initial consultation with an attorney, ask them about the difference between business and personal bankruptcy. Ask which they have more experience with and their success rates in allowing individuals to keep their assets.
If you need an Arizona bankruptcy attorney, we’ll be with you throughout the process and guide you along the way. We’ll do everything we can to ensure you get the most favorable terms for your bankruptcy filing possible.
Find out business insolvent meaning and bankruptcy in Arizona.
