Checkett, Pauly, Bay & Morgan is a law firm with decades of experience in several areas of law, including bankruptcy filings. Today's blog answers several frequently asked questions about bankruptcy attorneys.
Should I get an attorney for bankruptcy?
Yes, the federal court system highly recommends hiring an attorney for Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings due to the complexity of each filer's finances. No one's situation is exactly like another person's, which is why the advice of a licensed attorney is highly recommended for these proceedings.
What can I expect from a bankruptcy attorney?
During the initial consultation, a bankruptcy attorney will discuss several things with you, including:
Your current financial situation
Income
Expenses
Debts
Assets
Passing or failing the means test
Credit counseling
Whether filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is right for you.
After you hire an attorney, the person will provide:
Sound legal advice
Filing of all paperwork with the court
Mailing automatic stay notices to your lenders
Representation at all legal proceedings in bankruptcy court
Consult with the trustee in the case
Communicate with you regarding all aspects of your case
How much does it cost to hire a bankruptcy attorney?
Filing for bankruptcy costs $338, and attorney fees may vary from $500 to over $2,000, depending on the firm and the case's complexity.
How can I pay for a bankruptcy attorney?
You can pay fees upfront, such as with an income tax refund, or an attorney may help you by making payment arrangements with you. Talk to your attorney for more information.
How fast can a bankruptcy attorney file a petition with the court?
Some law firms offer same-day bankruptcy filings.
To be eligible for this filing, you might need to bring several things with you, such as:
Attorney fee
Preliminary form
Court filing fee of $338
Proof of completion of credit counseling
List of your creditors from an official credit report
Two months of bank statements
Pay stubs from the last six months
Previous year's income tax returns
Titles from all vehicles you own
Can a bankruptcy attorney negotiate with my lenders?
Your bankruptcy attorney can help you negotiate with lenders and creditors by giving you advice. Keep in mind that you might be filing bankruptcy soon, and if your creditors have already received the notice of the filing, they might not be willing to lower any of your debts or monthly payments.
Where can I find a bankruptcy attorney in Joplin, MO?
The experienced bankruptcy attorneys at Checkett, Pauly, Bay & Morgan can help you file paperwork with the bankruptcy court in Carthage. We assist residents of Joplin and the surrounding areas if they have concerns with bankruptcy, too much debt, and debt settlements.
Contact our law firm or call (417) 358-4049 for a free initial consultation.