At one consultation, I signed a document acknoweldgement receipt of that document. It was general info about bankruptcy and a statement that the attorney was a debt relief agency.
For those who say not to worry if you haven't paid anything: that may not be true. It may vary by state law, but in California you can sign an agreement with an attorney agreeing to pay for services to be performed without paying a retainer. A written fee agreement is not even required if services provided are worth less than $5,000 (that's the amount as of the last time I knew). An attorney is not required to get paid before starting work. But, they will bill for work the perform and expect payment if you agreed to the services.
As has already been said, NEVER sign anything you haven't read. If they pressure you to sign before reading, walk out. You want an attorney who encourages you to understand everything you sign, not one who pressures you to "just hurry up and sign".
For those who say not to worry if you haven't paid anything: that may not be true. It may vary by state law, but in California you can sign an agreement with an attorney agreeing to pay for services to be performed without paying a retainer. A written fee agreement is not even required if services provided are worth less than $5,000 (that's the amount as of the last time I knew). An attorney is not required to get paid before starting work. But, they will bill for work the perform and expect payment if you agreed to the services.
As has already been said, NEVER sign anything you haven't read. If they pressure you to sign before reading, walk out. You want an attorney who encourages you to understand everything you sign, not one who pressures you to "just hurry up and sign".
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