When you’re seeking bankruptcy help, it’s crucial to find a good, experienced lawyer from the outset. Your case could get more complicated in the future, unexpected tax law changes can be hard to keep up with, and bankruptcy law is constantly changing. Your life situation may change over time as well.
A successful bankruptcy lawyer in Maryland is qualified to handle your case, whether the case becomes simpler or more complex. So before you make your decision, ask these five questions and learn what to look for in your bankruptcy attorney.
What Kinds Of Cases Do You Often Handle?
Not all bankruptcy lawyers are created equal. You want someone who knows how to handle your specific case, a chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer Annapolis MD, or Chapter 13. It would also help to ask how much experience the attorney has handled issues similar to yours.
Have they handled only consumer cases? Or does the attorney also practice commercial bankruptcy law? If you have a business, you will need an attorney specializing in business filings.
What Is Your Legal Specialty?
Many lawyers advertise themselves as “bankruptcy lawyers,” but in reality, they practice many types of law – including divorce, criminal defense, and personal injury. While these lawyers may have experience filing bankruptcy on behalf of their clients, they may not be experts in the field.
Bankruptcy law is complicated, with many nuances and potential pitfalls for the unwary. Before deciding which chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer in Annapolis, MD, to hire, make sure they have extensive bankruptcy law experience and specialize in this type of legal work.
Can You Speak with Former Clients?
You can ask the lawyer for references from past clients and contact them to see how they feel about the attorney’s services. You can also check with local bar associations to see if there have been complaints against the lawyer. A good referral could also come from friends and family members who were happy with a bankruptcy attorney’s services.
How Many People Have You Represented?
You’ll want to hire an attorney representing more than 50 people in bankruptcy cases. This ensures that they have the experience you need and know how to handle all aspects of a bankruptcy case.
The success rate of an attorney is also significant because it shows their level of experience and skill in the field. Ideally, you’ll want to work with an attorney who has a 100% success rate. This ensures that they’ve never failed a case and have always been able to get the best results for their clients.
How Much Do You Charge?
You will want to ask this question upfront. Most bankruptcy lawyers will have a set price and not charge by the hour. For example, if you’re filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, some attorneys will charge a flat fee. Others may charge by the hour and bill you each month until your case is completed.
It’s essential to have a clear understanding of how much time and money you’ll need to invest in working with a bankruptcy lawyer in Maryland. So, it is still a good idea to ask ahead of time to know what you are getting into.
The Bottom Line
In the end, your best bet is probably to review as many bankruptcy lawyers as possible before choosing one. Consider each attorney’s fee structure, experience, and any questions you had during the interview process.
And most importantly, if a lawyer can’t give you some sort of guarantee that you will be happy with their services, do not hire them. That should make your search much easier in the end!