Filing bankruptcy can be a very scary time in a person’s life. Without a doubt, the financial crisis that has led to bankruptcy has been a stressful ordeal. On top of that, the thought of having a 10-year blemish on your credit report due to bankruptcy is definitely a big concern. The last thing you need to worry about is having an incompetent lawyer working on your case. For that reason, you should spend a lot of time and research to choose a good bankruptcy attorney.

The qualities of a good bankruptcy lawyer are the same qualities that make a good lawyer in almost any field. For one thing, you want a bankruptcy attorney, just like you want a personal injury attorney if you were involved in that type of case. While most attorneys should understand bankruptcy and be able to help you, a specialist will make the entire process much easier.

Also, you should hire a lawyer with whom you have a good relationship. If, when meeting with an attorney, you feel uncomfortable or your questions go unanswered, you should keep looking. The most important aspect skill that any attorney brings to the table is the ability to truly listen and easily explain the intricacies of a case. It’s a good idea to interview the lawyer before you hire him, and you shouldn’t be afraid to say no if he doesn’t feel comfortable.

Some good questions to ask your attorney are: how many bankruptcy cases have they tried? How long have you specifically practiced in the field of bankruptcy law? Ask them: How complicated is my case and how do you plan to handle it? Beware of a lawyer who will only tell you what he wants to hear. If the lawyer doesn’t discuss any of the difficulties of the process, he may just be looking to get you to sign a contract with him.

To find a good lawyer, one place to look is your local bar association. You can find them in the phone book: bar associations have referral panels that can direct you to a good bankruptcy lawyer. Once you have contacted an attorney, you should obtain as much information about your case as possible. Make sure you understand the scope of services covered by the attorney’s fees. You should ask about lien evasion issues, trustee disputes, non-dischargeability and actions, and more. Please note that an attorney cannot anticipate all possibilities, and additional fees may be required as the case progresses.

Remember that a good bankruptcy attorney is there to help you. Once you find a bankruptcy lawyer you trust, tell them everything about your financial situation. That way, they will be better prepared to represent your interests. Be sure to provide information to your lawyer quickly, so that all court deadlines can be met on time. If you also do your part, having a bankruptcy attorney on your side will make the bankruptcy process much less painful.