When you decide filing for bankruptcy is the best option for you and your family, it’s essential to find the right legal expert to help.
Use these tips to find an Oklahoma City bankruptcy attorney who fits your needs – and one that you trust to handle your case and financial future.
Find a Lawyer Who Specializes in Bankruptcy Law
When searching for an attorney, you need one who specializes in bankruptcy law to take your case. Just because someone is an attorney doesn’t mean they are qualified to represent you and your financial future. You need a bankruptcy specialist who knows the ins and outs of bankruptcy laws and has experience from various previous cases to successfully handle your case. There are key differences between the types of bankruptcy – especially Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. You need an expert who knows how to navigate accordingly.
Ask for Referrals
Do you know anyone who has previously filed for bankruptcy in Oklahoma City? Ask them if they would recommend their bankruptcy attorney. Hearing someone’s experience and getting a personal recommendation can assure you that you’re hiring a good attorney. If you don’t know anyone, then you can perform an internet search, or listen to local radio or TV ads to see who is available in your area.
Look Through State Directories
If you don’t trust a general internet search to find a bankruptcy attorney, there are also legal directories you can use. When you find a lawyer in the American Bar Association database, you know the lawyer is bar accredited, which can give you some assurances as you move forward with your search. There are directories specific to each state to help you find an Oklahoma City bankruptcy attorney.
Narrow Down Your List
After establishing a list of potential Oklahoma City bankruptcy attorneys, you should then start to reduce the list. The first step can be to look at reviews and client testimonials. While the feedback on the attorney’s website can be helpful, just remember that they typically choose which reviews to post, so they will likely only post positive feedback. Google or Yelp reviews can be more honest, so you might want to start there. However, also remember that the reviews are not a full picture of the attorney’s services. Sometimes, those with negative experiences are more likely to contribute a review to vent their frustrations. Those with positive experiences might not take the time to give a review. So just because you see a negative comment, don’t dispel the law office – but take note of it and bring it up when you talk to a potential attorney.
Schedule a Call with An Attorney
When you narrow your list, contact those you’re evaluating and schedule a brief call with the attorneys. Speaking to an Oklahoma City bankruptcy attorney and being able to ask him or her questions about your case and learn how they handle bankruptcy cases, can help you determine if the person is the right fit for you.
Prepare Questions For the Attorney
To determine if the Oklahoma City bankruptcy attorney is the right fit for you, you should ask specific questions. These can include:
- Do you specialize in bankruptcy?
- How many bankruptcy cases have you handled?
- If I select you, will I work with you, or an associate or paralegal?
- Why should I trust you with my bankruptcy case?
- What is your fee structure?
After getting the answers to these questions and having a conversation with the potential bankruptcy attorneys, you should then have enough information to decide which Oklahoma City bankruptcy attorney is the best selection for you.
Contact an Attorney
Do you need an Oklahoma City bankruptcy attorney? It’s crucial to hire an experienced attorney to help you through the process, determine what you can and cannot do, and get the money you are owed. Don’t let debt ruin your life. Call (405) 529-9377 for a free case review.