Pre-Bankruptcy Attorney Advice

[ApresMoi]

Hi All --

Can anyone tell me what to expect during 'pre-bankruptcy'. After I send in the retainer? Do you meet in person? Telephone consult? Is this when the paperwork gathering begins? For people who have been through the process, how many meetings in person did you have in this stage? Any comments appreciated!

[nerves]

If you haven't selected an attorney yet - it may be best to meet with a few to find one that fits your needs and someone you are comfortable with. If it is not a free consult - you are probably best to say thanks but no thanks. You should make a list of questions and cross them off as you are discussing your situation with them. You will want to verify the attorney's fee structure - is it an all for one free or ala cart. If you have any liens or judgements - you will want to discuss them. Most attorneys will ask you to list out your debts, assets and expenses before the consult. After you select an attorney, they will work with you and advise the information they need to file. Each state has different laws and exemptions. If you own a home/vehicles, they will want to know what your intent with the property. Hope this helps.

[kw1025]

I was in the pre bankruptcy stage for a year, i researched attorneys til my face was blue. I got connected with my attorney thru a referral and it has been the best investment of my life. We sat down the first time to talk about the situation, he then mailed me options i had for my debt, including not filing bankruptcy. After reading his DETAILED 5 page letter, in which he also included pricing for his services, i decided for the option of chap 7. We met maybe 4 times at length before i filed. He wanted to make sure that the filing was a buttoned up as can be. He insisted we do not file until we had an answer to everything i was going to file, so he could answer and counter any trustee concerns. I gave him a $2500 retainer at our second meeting, i used i up, and now he just bills me. I have spend about $7200 so far, will most likely be around $10,000. Totally worth it. I cannot stress enough to make sure your attorney is proven.

[nerves]

WOW! That was quite a spendy attorney. You must have had a pretty complex case. Ours had a business included and the cost was $1125 which included the filing fees. Good luck to both of you.

[ApresMoi]

WOW! That was quite a spendy attorney. You must have had a pretty complex case. Ours had a business included and the cost was $1125 which included the filing fees. Good luck to both of you.

That's a good rate, and you sound pleased. Please PM me Atty. name if you are in CA?? Thanks.

[ApresMoi]

I was in the pre bankruptcy stage for a year, i researched attorneys til my face was blue. I got connected with my attorney thru a referral and it has been the best investment of my life. We sat down the first time to talk about the situation, he then mailed me options i had for my debt, including not filing bankruptcy. After reading his DETAILED 5 page letter, in which he also included pricing for his services, i decided for the option of chap 7. We met maybe 4 times at length before i filed. He wanted to make sure that the filing was a buttoned up as can be. He insisted we do not file until we had an answer to everything i was going to file, so he could answer and counter any trustee concerns. I gave him a $2500 retainer at our second meeting, i used i up, and now he just bills me. I have spend about $7200 so far, will most likely be around $10,000. Totally worth it. I cannot stress enough to make sure your attorney is proven.

You probably got your money's worth -- he sounds great. I guess it varies from attorney to attorney as to how it is handled. I don't have a complex case (at all), but still would like the benefit of experience.

[iv65536]

As for my attorney, I had my initial consultation with him about two months before filing, and in the initial phone conversation and the in-person meeting, I knew I had one with whom I clicked. He does it all - no paralegals, no assistants.

[kw1025]

I actually have posts on hyere BEFORE i hired my BK attorney, when i was still looking for an attorney. The guy i found is the most prepared person i have ever met. I had 2.3 Million in debt, mostly secured, so a great attorney was a must. He insisted that he have a rebuttle for ANYTHING the trustee could bring up, otherwise, we are not ready. We spent 4 hours in his office 2 days before filing, and then again on the day of filing getting facts correct. He has never let me speak to a paralegal, he returns all emails within hours, he knows the trustees very well, he specializes in individual and corporate bankruptcy litigation, he attended my 341 with me and has updated me on everything as he gets the info. He ALWAYS tells me to relax! The one thing he has said over and over is that he REALLY feels appreciated from me. I don't think he gets that alot from people. On the day i filed i was crying for an hour in his office, and he constantly reassured me that this was not a reflection on me. I cannot say enough about this man, just a great attorney! It is him, and him alone, who has got me thru this process in one piece. He even met with my acountant the other day to help get my tax return started (yes, he was paid to be there, but worth every penny)...so, get a great attorney WORTH IT!

[maxwell18]

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Where are you located?

[ApresMoi]

Where are you located?

If you are asking me, Southern California...