We offer free consultations because we know this is the best way to serve our community and help people get out of debt. A consultation with a bankruptcy attorney is your opportunity to learn how filing for bankruptcy will specifically affect you.
At the bankruptcy consultation, you will want to know if you qualify for bankruptcy, which chapter would be best for you to file, and what of your belongings can be protected through the bankruptcy process. There are other things we encourage you to ask about as well.
To get the most out of your free consultation with a bankruptcy attorney, ask the following 5 questions:
- Do I have an alternative to bankruptcy that would work for me?
Simply because you are exploring how bankruptcy can help you does not mean that you actually need to file for bankruptcy. It is advisable for you to understand your meaningful options on getting a handle on your debt. Also, you want to work with an attorney who will take the time to answer all of your questions.
The truth is, in our experience the majority of people who consult with a bankruptcy attorney really do need bankruptcy. Nonetheless, we encourage you to understand all of your options so you can make the decision that is right for you.
- How many cases like mine have you successfully handled?
You want to talk with the attorney about their bankruptcy experience. Some attorneys practice solely in bankruptcy law, while others dabble in bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a complex and nuanced area of law. In fact, bankruptcy is recognized as a legal specialty.
At the Law Office of Barbara B. Braziel, we practice exclusively in bankruptcy law and have been for over 35 years.
- Who will work on my case?
Completing a bankruptcy petition is more than just filling out forms. It requires intricate knowledge of the federal Bankruptcy Code and Georgia state law. We encourage you to avoid a situation where your case is analyzed and completed by support staff who do not hold law degrees.
Our attorneys work directly with our clients. We do not push our cases off to case managers. The attorney you work with on your petition will be the attorney by your side at the bankruptcy hearing and the attorney who sees your case through to discharge. Our clients have access to the attorney who is representing them.
- Do you foresee any complications in my case?
It is important for you to understand what the potential issues in your case could be. Every person’s situation is different and every case is unique. You want to work with an attorney who will talk candidly with you about what challenges may crop up in your case.
Are there potential complications with protecting assets or passing the means test, or are their possible barriers to discharge?
- Are there additional fees I will have to pay later?
Generally speaking, many bankruptcy attorneys charge a flat-rate for filing a bankruptcy case. Though, this does not mean that every legal service your case may need is covered by that flat-rate. For example, issues with a reaffirmation agreement or lien avoidance often give rise to additional attorneys’ fees. The retainer agreement you sign with an attorney you hire should spell out exactly what services are included in a flat-rate agreement.
When our clients hire us we enter into a retainer agreement that explains exactly what services are included in our attorneys’ fees. We review all of the fees associated with bankruptcy. Our clients will never get a surprise bill from our law office.
After meeting with us for a free consultation, you will know what your options are.
When you leave our office you will know what your debt relief options are. You will know if bankruptcy is a viable solution to your debt problem. We strive to ensure that after meeting with us you will know how filing for bankruptcy would affect you and your family, as well as the benefits and the drawbacks of bankruptcy.
To better understand the benefits bankruptcy offers, we invite you to read our article Living With The Stress of Debt vs. Bankruptcy.
We’re here to help you through your bankruptcy case from start to finish. Contact us or call (833) 522-1069 to explore how bankruptcy can help you! We offer free consultations to anyone looking to explore how to get out of debt.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Find out more about Bankruptcy in our guide: All About Bankruptcy.
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