7 Questions To Ask A Bankruptcy Attorney- BEFORE You Hire One.

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1 Lewis Adams & Associates Utah Bankruptcy Attorneys Personal Reliable Professional (801) Questions To Ask A Bankruptcy Attorney- BEFORE You Hire One.

2 7 Questions To Ask A Bankruptcy Attorney BEFORE You Hire One 2 Lewis Adams & Associates Utah Bankruptcy Attorneys Personal Reliable Professional (801) Questions To Ask A Bankruptcy Attorney- BEFORE You Hire One. The decision to file for bankruptcy is a serious one, and not something that should be taken lightly. It is always in one s best interest to have the help of a well-qualified, and experienced attorney to help them get the very most out of this complex set of laws that are designed to preserve and protect an individual s or business s chance to reorganize or start over, and live and serve another day. The purpose of these questions is to help you select the right person to assist you in that effort. Information presented herein does not constitute legal advice or create a client attorney relationship. Be sure to always seek the advice of a competent attorney whenever you are considering taking legal action of any kind.

3 7 Questions To Ask A Bankruptcy Attorney BEFORE You Hire One 3 BEFORE YOU HIRE a Bankruptcy Attorney- you need to ask some tough questions to make sure you re getting the kind of legal representation you expect, the treatment you deserve, and the outcome you are looking for. Here are 7 questions that will help determine if the attorney you are considering hiring to help you get a fresh financial start is the right one for the job. Question No. 1 After reviewing my case, if you find that bankruptcy is not really needed, are you willing and able to refer me to other professionals who can help resolve my situation without filing for BK? It s kind of like a dishonest mechanic who tells you something needs to be fixed or replaced when a simple, much less expensive solution can solve the problem. Will the attorney put your best interest ahead of his or her own? That s the question. Question No. 2 How much experience do you have? If I m going to go through this, will you take the time to make sure I get a customized solution to my particular situation so I m protected now and in the future from every issue a bankruptcy is designed to resolve? Bankruptcy is a serious matter. If you are going to go through it, you want it to be done thoroughly and completely. The attorney needs to know the law and how it applies to your particular situation and how best to use it so you are protected to the full extent of the bankruptcy code. Nothing is worse than finding out after it s all over that you didn t get what you paid for and things should have been done a lot differently.

4 7 Questions To Ask A Bankruptcy Attorney BEFORE You Hire One 4 Question No. 3 Will you take my call or return one if I have a question about my case? The courtesy to return a phone call shows respect and a professional attitude. It s always very frustrating when the person you ve hired to represent you won t communicate with you on a reasonable and regular basis. Question No. 4 What do you think about someone who is considering bankruptcy? Bankruptcy laws were instituted to help those who, regardless of how or why, found themselves in an impossible financial situation to get a new start. It was out of compassion that we have bankruptcy laws today. The concept also helps inspire men to take risks or chances they might not otherwise attempt, which can be good and bad. I ve heard it said that in the grand scheme of things, when we die, we all owe more than we can pay to get out of that situation. Compassion is a one of the greatest character traits a person can have. But, for the grace of God, there go I - is another great attitude when it comes to how and what we think about others and the situation they may find themselves in. Just some food for thought. Give the attorney a chance to tell you where their heart is. Question No. 5 How many times have you been late for court? Watch their body language on this one. They are probably not going to admit it if they have been. What difference does it make? I ve seen attorneys completely not show up for court let alone be late. It s been said that punctuality is one of, if not the most powerful personal disciplines.. A strong sense of time and the ability to operate under it s constraints says a lot about their skill to handle all the details and deadlines of your case. So if he/she hesitates or flinches on their answerthere s your answer. Just another point to consider.

5 7 Questions To Ask A Bankruptcy Attorney BEFORE You Hire One 5 Question No. 6 What do you like the most about being a bankruptcy attorney? Let s see how creative they can get. Here s a chance to just sit and listen to see if they have a good imagination, or if they can convince you they really do like what they do and sincerely want to help people. Question No. 7 Are you going to personally make sure the important details of my case get handled correctly or will you rely on paralegals to do most of the work? Any great person who runs a successful office must delegate tasks that don t require their specific expertise to a support team that helps them be more efficient. This is not something to be concerned about. However, you are hiring an attorney to specifically direct, manage, and oversee your case so you receive the full benefit of the law that will protect you. Your attorney will and should be there for you in every court proceeding and should be the person you talk to regarding the preparation and organization of your case. You are hiring the attorney for his or her specific knowledge and experience. There are appropriate times for certain tasks regarding your case to be handled by an assistant and there are times you re your attorney should be there for you in person. Summary These questions are by no means comprehensive as to what you can ask or how you should interview an attorney to represent you in a bankruptcy proceeding. They are, however, designed to give you a good look into the practice and the person you are considering hiring to help you get your life back and a new financial start. Check around. Look for some outside reviews of the attorney as well. A little due diligence goes a long way to help you make the right decisions and get the right people on your team. Best of Luck. Lewis Adams & Assocates is a Utah Bankruptcy Firm that helps individuals get their life back through bankruptcy laws after a financial setback or other life event has created a situation from which they might not otherwise recover. Call for a free consultation any time.