Dealing with a difficult financial situation, whether it’s due to job loss or other unforeseen circumstances, can make you feel as though you;re out of options. You may consider bankruptcy as an untenable outcome, but tens of thousands of people have successfully navigated a personal bankruptcy and emerged to successfully rebuild their financial lives. Working with a Bankruptcy attorney Harrisburg can help you determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is your best option.
Choosing a bankruptcy attorney requires you to do some homework before picking up the phone or emailing for an appointment. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the type of bankruptcy in which you repay most or all of your debts on an extended timetable, rather than discharging them as you would in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The primary benefit of choosing Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the possibility of keeping many of your possessions that might be sold under Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings to pay off your debts. The impact on your subsequent credit rating is also much less drastic when you pursue Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
There are several guidelines you can follow when choosing a Bankruptcy attorney Harrisburg to help you apply for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. An attorney that specializes in bankruptcy will be more likely to have the expertise and knowledge to handle any unusual circumstances that might be part of your case. Whether you choose a large law firm or a smaller group, you’ll want to be sure that the attorney you work with will give your case the time and attention it needs. Your state bar association and even the bankruptcy court in which your bankruptcy petition would be filed might be able to provide a list of bankruptcy attorneys.
Once you have a list in hand, it’s a good idea to request a free consultation from each of the attorneys. When you arrive at the office of a Bankruptcy attorney Harrisburg, be prepared to ask about his education and background as well as his experience. You should bring with you documentation regarding your original as well as your current financial situation, including debts, assets and income. The attorney should be able to give you a good idea of your options as well as his fees to take your case. Finally, determine whether he’ll handle your case personally. Once you’ve chosen the right attorney, you’ll be taking steps toward becoming financially sound again.
