Bankruptcy In Florida: Finding The Right Attorney Part I

As a Board Certified Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney, I’ve been around the block enough times to realize that Bankruptcy is not only about financial issues. Bankruptcy can be devastating emotionally, physically, and financially. Individuals who are experiencing unforeseen events need to regain some control over their situations. Your choice of Bankruptcy Attorney can be the first step toward the road to recovery. This decision is not like purchasing eggs in the grocery store. You don’t just open the box, look around and then put it in your cart. Most of my clients have never been a lawyer’s office before, and therefore, they are usually nervous, shy and worried about making mistakes.As a consumer, you need to find an attorney. There are many ways to accomplish this task. Usually, people go to the phone book, ask a friend or go on the internet. All three of these methods will work, and you will find one or more bankruptcy attorneys in your area. Read the advertisements and see if you can truly figure out if the person threw an ad together or did the person take the time to speak to you in the ad. Once you form an opinion about the ad, hold onto those thoughts But ask yourself, what do you really know about this person and are they the right individual to help at this difficult time.
The next step is to make that phone call. You can read a web page and maybe send an e-mail, but to really get a sense of the law-firm’s culture, you have to make that phone call and speak to someone. Once you do, more information will be available to you. Ask yourself: What was my overall impression of the call? Did you actually speak to someone or were you sent to voice-mail? Did the person greet you cordially? Did the person sound sincere? Did the person put you at ease? Did the person work to schedule you an appointment at a mutually convenient time for you and the attorney? Did the person offer free information by mail, e-mail or facsimile prior to the consultation, or, if you asked for information, how was your request received? Could you feel the person’s smile on the other end of the line? Did you leave the call with a good impression or a bad impression? Next, we will discuss the initial consultation.