Monday, November 4, 2013

Finding a Bankruptcy Attorney

If you have made the decision to file for bankruptcy, finding a Fort Worth bankruptcy attorney is the most important and first step in the filing process. It is critical to understand that not all attorneys are equally qualified. Having a knowledgeable attorney can end up saving you a lot of grief and money in the end. Take the time to research potential attorneys before choosing one. The following are four common ways to find an attorney to handle your bankruptcy case.The Yellow PagesThere are several qualified Fort Worth Bankruptcy Attorneys listed in the Yellow Pages. Pickup a phone book and search through its ads. Larger, more prominent and successful attorneys tend to boast bigger, brighter, flashier type ads. This is not to discredit those attorneys with smaller ads. However, an attorney who takes the time to invest in a little marketing is more likely a professional individual who is serious about business.InternetThe World Wide Web is an excellent tool anyone can use to find a Fort Worth bankruptcy attorney. With the help of a search engine, look for lawyers in your area. For example, you can use Google and search for "Fort Worth Bankruptcy Attorney" to find local lawyers.Ask an AttorneyIf you already have an attorney for a different matter, he or she is a great resource in the search for a bankruptcy attorney. Your attorney is likely to know a qualified colleague who would be more than happy to assist with your bankruptcy filing. Also be sure to ask what qualifying values the attorney has. How many years of experience? Does your attorney have any personal affiliations with the individual? Would your attorney utilize this person if he or she had to file bankruptcy? These are all important questions that provide you with an overall view of the bankruptcy attorney.Ask Family and FriendsPerhaps the best way to locate a bankruptcy attorney is to request referrals from friends and families. The people you know and trust may already know a perfect Fort Worth bankruptcy attorney that fits your needs. When someone suggests a specific attorney, ask him or her what makes the attorney qualified for the job? What did the referrer like or dislike about the attorney? Would this person use the attorney again if needed?Regardless of how you locate a Fort Worth Bankruptcy Attorney, take the time to learn as much as possible about the individual before ever stepping into his or her firm. You want to know what kind of lawyer and person past clients and colleagues believe this individual to be. The more you know the better.Once you have narrowed down the pool of perspective attorneys, it is time to attend a consultation or introduction meeting. Use this time to get to know the attorney. How do you feel about him or her? What is your first impression? What type of education and work experience does the attorney bring to the table? How can he or she help you in your current situation? How much are these services going to cost? Lastly, it is a great idea to interview at least two if not more prospective attorneys before deciding on a Fort Worth bankruptcy attorney.