Alabama Bankruptcy Lawyer
The first step to filing Chapter 7 in the "heart of Dixie" is to retain an Alabama bankruptcy lawyer.
Here you will find the following:
- Referral Sources - provides ideas regarding how to find an attorney that will represent your best interests
- Free Bankruptcy Advice - discusses sources of free legal aid
- Dealing with Inadequate Representation - covers when and how to file a complaint in the unlikely event that the services you received did not meet ethical standards
Referral Sources
To find an Alabama bankruptcy lawyer, one of the best resources is referrals from others. However, if you are at a loss as to where to begin, a good starting place is to contact your local county bar association or the Alabama State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service:
Alabama State Bar
Lawyer Referral Service
415 Dexter Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36104
(800) 392-5660
The referral service will be able to provide you with names and contact information for attorneys that not only practice bankruptcy, but who are also licensed members in good standing.
Free Bankruptcy Advice
Based on income, free bankruptcy advice and representation may also be obtained from various organizations throughout the state:
- Birmingham Volunteer Lawyers Program
- Mobile Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program
- Legal Services Alabama
- Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program
For more information regarding these and other organizations, visit the American Bar Association's Consumers' Guide to Legal Help.
Dealing with Inadequate Representation
Bankruptcy is a complex legal matter. Many people delay hiring an attorney, or even try to go through the process without one, for various reasons. However, fear of inadequate representation should not be one of those reasons.
Every Alabama bankruptcy lawyer is required to adhere to the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct. These ethical standards require that your attorney handle your case in a professional and competent manner.
In the unlikely event that your case is not handled in an ethical manner, you do have rights. You may want to start by first contacting the State Bar's Center for Professional Responsibility:
Alabama State Bar
Center for Professional Responsibility
415 Dexter Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 269-1515
The Bar Association also has an online brochure detailing the process for filing a complaint.
