4 Things to Ask Before Hiring a South Florida Bankruptcy Attorney

When you are considering bankruptcy, you are probably already facing some stress and confusion. No matter how much research you do ahead of time, it is difficult to understand the scope of the bankruptcy process and how it might impact you, your family, and your finances. It can make the entire process very intimidating!

Before you jump into the process of bankruptcy, talk to a South Florida bankruptcy attorney about the details. Ask your questions and get the answers you need. Not sure what to ask? Use these questions to get you started having those important conversations and getting the information you need to start the bankruptcy process without feeling the anxiety that can come along with it.

Question 1 – Do You Specialize in Bankruptcy?

Any lawyer in your area who is permitted in bankruptcy court can technically file your bankruptcy for you. This may be why so many people make the wrong decisions when choosing a legal professional to guide them through the process. 

This is a mistake because bankruptcy – like many legal issues – is its own “world,” with its own specific rules, regulations, and quirks that someone who specializes in the field will be much better prepared to help you understand. You would not trust a general surgeon to do your brain surgery, so why trust your financial future to any attorney who is not a bankruptcy lawyer?

You need to seek out the help of an experienced South Florida bankruptcy attorney – someone who specializes in bankruptcy. That way, you can ensure that the advice that you get will be comprehensive, correct, and conducive to whatever your unique situation may be. 

Question 2 – Can You Explain Bankruptcy to Me?

Bankruptcy is not a process that anyone innately understands. That is not because the process is deliberately complicated. It is just a complex issue that deals with matters of finance that can really cause confusion when those matters are not straightforward.

Even when things are straightforward, bankruptcy can be complicated and confusing. That is why it is so important for your prospective lawyer to give you an overview that makes sense to you. They should also be able to explain the ins and outs of how your individual case will work and how the decisions you have made or might make will impact it. You cannot feel good about your bankruptcy case unless you understand it – and it is your attorney’s job to ensure that you do.

Question 3 – Do You Anticipate Any Problems with My Case?

This is a particularly important question to ask, because there are a lot of trivial details that can cause hang-ups during the bankruptcy process. Once you have disclosed the details of your situation to the attorney you are thinking of working with, ask them what they think might slow down or complicate the process for you – and how you might be able to address those issues upfront. 

It is important to remember that your South Florida bankruptcy attorney can only provide you with accurate information if you give them accurate information first. If you withhold information – anything at all – while establishing your case, it can have a major negative impact on the result. This can include a lot of details that you might not realize are important, including:

• A second job that you did not initially disclose.
• Assets that you forgot to identify.
• Insignificant amounts of debt that you did not include in your initial filing.

All of these – and many other – things can impact your case, so be sure to be open and honest from the beginning!

Question 4 – How Quickly Can You File My Case – and How Long Might My Case Take?

You would not believe how many people wait until their financial situation is already dire before considering bankruptcy. Your attorney would prefer that you come to them as soon as things begin to get tough, so that you can explore all your options in a timely manner. 

Regardless of when and at what stage of your financial journey you come to your attorney with questions, they should be able to give you at least an idea of how long your case will take to file and how long it will take from start to finish. That way, you can have an idea of what the next few weeks or months will entail for you and can plan accordingly.

Questions for Yourself After Speaking to a South Florida Bankruptcy Attorney

Once you are finished speaking with your prospective attorney, consider the following before you move on to the next name in the phone book: 

First, did they explain things well to you? Did you understand what was being said, and if not, did they take the time to help you better understand it? Bankruptcy can be tricky, and understanding it can be difficult; you need a lawyer who will take the time to clearly explain things and address any confusion you might have.

Second, does their strategy in handling your bankruptcy case make sense to you? Every South Florida bankruptcy attorney will have their own way of handling things – their own style. However, that personal style means nothing if their approach is not practical for your unique case. Make sure that the way they plan to approach your case makes sense for what you want and need. 

Last, did you enjoy speaking to the attorney that handled your call? While discussing bankruptcy is never going to be the most fun thing you have done, it can be much more pleasant when you work with a person who takes the time to answer your questions and treat you with respect. It will make the process much less stressful for you and your family if you are working with a patient, pleasant person who is also knowledgeable and experienced in the ways you need.

For more information about bankruptcy and everything that comes along with it, talk to the experienced team at the Van Horn Law Group. We are South Florida bankruptcy attorneys with decades of combined experience that will help you navigate the process and feel good about the decisions you are making. We are dedicated to your best result – and helping you better understand what is happening at every stage of the process. To learn more, connect with us today!