Initial Consultation set

[Blueboy]

Well now I've got a few appointments set for the initial consults.

What should I expect at these meetings? Should I take any info with me? Any advice on what question I should ask? Is there a way to know the attorney is "the one"? Or is it more of a gut feeling?

Man I've never felt so inept, I want to make this as easy as I can.

[StartingOver08]

Have at least a list of your assets, liabilities and your income. Also bring along a budget that you have prepared using the guidelines to show you do or do not have DMI. This will get your interview on the right track to discuss your specific BK.

[HakunaMatata]

My consults were all very different. My first offered a grand BK overview (it didn't include personal assessment). My second was primarily focused on numbers (which provided strong insight into my specific case). My third was balanced...numbers and knowledge. Keep in mind...free doesn't often go far.

I prepared by having a monthly spreadsheet of basic expenses (electric, phone, house, etc.) and basic income information. Plus, I had completed the online Means Test and brought my results with me. I selected my attorney based on knowledge, experience, and level of comfort -both personal and professional.

I asked similar questions a few months ago. HHM provided a wonderful link and I'm passing it along to you...

http://askmethner.com/?p=609

Good luck! And don't forget...you're interviewing them! The attorneys will have more knowledge than you which may be somewhat intimidating. Ultimately, you are selecting the best candidate to represent you.

[Blueboy]

Thanks so much! Like I said I've never felt this lost!

Any other suggestions please keep them coming.

[laurannm]

Are you above or below median?

[Blueboy]

Above Median.

I went today for the first of 3 appointments. This firm/attorney was fairly generic although he did look at the basics of our situation and said He felt like they can go Ch13 and cut $151K unsecured with 60 payments of $350/mth. Its hard to believe they can cut $4500+ payments to $350 but we will see what the other two firms say.

Next consult tomorrow.

[Blueboy]

Well we went to the second consult today. This firm was highly recommended by a friend who is an attorney, as being the most respected bk firm in the area. He said that the founding partner actually gives classes on bk law to the trustees and judges.

When we got there I hit it off with the attorney that will handle our case should we hire them, he actually grew up knowing some of my family. (small world) He has done only bk for last 15 years. Consult actually lasted two hours and he went over everything and said he feels sure we can go the Ch 7 route. The best part was after he looked at our numbers he said he can protect my S-Corp thru exemptions. House and cars can be kept and wipe out $151K of cc debt.

$2200 for Ch 7 and $3000 for Ch 13, is cheaper than yesterdays firm and I feel much better with this firm.

Next consult, if I don't go ahead and retain this firm first, will be next Wed.

[HakunaMatata]

Cheers to you! It surely sounds like you're in good hands with #2 (knowledge, experience, and the potential for a solid working relationship). I'd keep the third consult if possible. I gained considerable knowledge by meeting with various attorneys (plus, if I were you, I'd be curious to see if #3 feels you're a C7 or C13 candidate). Even if #3 isn't appealing, he/she may make your #2 decision much easier!

[Blueboy]

Thanks.

I do plan on going to the third consult, I seem to learn something different at each one. Also I learned from others here to do several consults, I would have most likely handed the first a retainer. I have learned so much here! The second attorney ask me if I had never filed before and I said no. He looked up and said "well you sure have done your homework".

It's interesting that the first attorney, maybe 30 y/o, was Ch 13 all the way, and now #2 seems certain we go the Ch 7.

I'm so glad I found this site! You guys are great!