How to find a good lawyer?

[cleansl8]

I am so glad I stubled on this site. Hubby and I decided to file chap 7. I am scared and need help find a good lawyer, any sites to go to to help?

[CATCHMEIFYOUCAN]

What state are you in?

Catchmeifyoucan

I happened to stumble across my lawyers website when I was only contemplating BK. Several months down the road when I was still contemplating my brother mentioned the lawyer (so assuming he had previously used him) I gave the lawyer a shot. Usually word of mouth is the best. Also, consultations are always free! Get a few consultations from different lawyers, don't let them know you've already had a few consultations - take notes and see what each one has to tell you! The reason being is that I believe they always try to get your money (rather sell themselves to you before you look further - almost like car salesman (but that is just my opinnion) Good Luck!

Catchmeifyoucan

[lrprn]

I am so glad I stubled on this site. Hubby and I decided to file chap 7. I am scared and need help find a good lawyer, any sites to go to to help?

Here are the options that tend to flush out the best bk lawyers:

- Call the Bar in your state and ask for referrals in your area.

- If you have any lawyer acquaintances, ask them. You don't have to say it's for you, say it's for "a friend"

- Check http://www.usdoj.gov/ust/eo/private_.../locator/7.htm for a list of sitting Ch 7 trustees in your state - trustees often practice privately and no one knows the ins and outs of the current bk law better than a trustee. Just don't contact all of them or you will contaminate the trustee pool and when you file, the court will have to bring in another trustee from outside the local court - this makes the local court cranky.

- Check www.martindale.com for local lawyers who are certified in bankruptcy.

Things NOT to do when looking for a lawyer:

- Use the Yellow Pages! The best bk lawyers don't advertise much because they don't have to.

- Pick the first lawyer you meet. Always meet with 3-4 different bankruptcy lawyers - most give free or low cost initial consultations with no obligation.

- Pick the cheapest one - you usually get what you pay for.

Here's good advice about how to choose a good lawyer plus a link to a good set of questions to ask every lawyer you meet with - http://moranlaw.net/selecting.htm

Good luck - hope you find a great lawyer! Be sure to come back to tell us how the search is going and ask any other questions you might have along the way.