Bankruptcy
information will be exchanged between you and an attorney during an
initial consultation. An initial consultation is the first step to
retaining a lawyer. Some attorneys charge nothing for the initial
consultation, while others charge a small fee.
Use the initial consultation to your advantage. This meeting is your opportunity to “interview” the lawyer to make sure he or she is a good fit, as well as an opportunity to learn Chapter 7 bankruptcy law information.
Before meeting with the attorney, prepare a list of questions and issues that you want to discuss. Also, do not be afraid to inquire regarding legal fees and possible payment plans.
At the initial consultation, evaluate how well the attorney communicates with you. Are you comfortable discussing your situation with him or her? Does he or she answer your questions and present bankruptcy information in clear, understandable terms?
Also ask to meet anyone else that will be working on your case, including the lawyer’s assistant or paralegal.
If
you have concerns, meet with other bankruptcy attorneys in your area
until you find someone that you are comfortable hiring.
When you schedule your initial consultation, you will probably be asked
to bring along documentation regarding your financial situation.
Do not ignore this request. The attorney needs this bankruptcy
information in order to evaluate your case. The documentation
requested will likely include the following:
Bankruptcy Information - Assets
Bankruptcy Information - Debts
It is also important to provide any requested bankruptcy info to your attorney as soon as possible so that he or she can make a determination regarding whether you can even file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition. Under the new bankruptcy laws, there are restrictions: