If you are in dire financial straits, filing for bankruptcy is a great way to get a fresh start. You can heave a sigh of relief once your bankruptcy case is over and done with. However, with all the nuances and processes involved in a bankruptcy filing, it can get very confusing and sometimes, even burdensome. As such, seeking help from an experienced bankruptcy attorney is a smart move. Aside from providing legal advice, your bankruptcy lawyer will be on top of the paperwork from beginning to end, from pre-filing to discharge.
Let us share with you the roles and tasks a qualified and responsible bankruptcy attorney in West Virginia will be doing for valued clients like you, should you decide to file a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
� Competence
Your West Virginia bankruptcy lawyer should be very qualified and knowledgeable and equipped with skills necessary to handle your case, regardless of its level of difficulty.
Usually, the level of difficulty of a bankruptcy case depends on:
- The pertinent information or facts of your case
- The type of bankruptcy you intend to file (whether you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13)
- The status of your property, whether these are assets that the bankruptcy trustee can sell.
- If you possess a small business, and
- If there are possible lawsuits.
Do not be shy to ask your prospective bankruptcy attorney in West Virginia if he has handled similar situations in the past. In that way, you can gauge whether or not the attorney will be able to represent you well in your bankruptcy case.
� Sound Legal Advice
Normally, the contract you and your bankruptcy attorney sign will show the services you are paying for. Your attorney is also expected to provide you with legal advice throughout the bankruptcy process.
An initial consultation with your bankruptcy attorney is the point where you will be advised if bankruptcy is indeed the best option for you. If it is, your bankruptcy attorney will be able to answer the following questions:
- Which type of bankruptcy will help me achieve my financial goals?
- What happens during the bankruptcy process?
- What are the challenges and risks involved?
Naturally, your bankruptcy attorney should not only be able to answer any of your questions, but your attorney is also expected to do so in a prompt manner, regardless of whether you asked questions through a phone call or via email.
� Preparation and Filing of Paperwork
Filing for bankruptcy requires you to complete a lot of forms. No need to worry though, because almost all bankruptcy attorneys have software in place specially programmed to prepare and file your required bankruptcy paperwork with the court.
All you need to do is to provide your financial information, such as income, expenses, assets, and debt information to your bankruptcy attorney. This information will be used by your West Virginia bankruptcy lawyer to prepare the official forms. Your lawyer will also review the completed paperwork to make sure that everything is in order.
Additional forms or documents may be required by the court or the bankruptcy trustee. Your attorney will ensure that you provide this on time because a missed bankruptcy deadline have serious consequences. It may lead to:
- delays in the processing of the bankruptcy
- dismissal of your case, or
- other other grave repercussions
As such, your bankruptcy attorney should also be aware of the rules and filing procedures of your local bankruptcy court. In this way, you will not have to worry about any unwanted issues.
� Representation at Hearings
All debtors are required to attend a hearing called the 341 meeting with the bankruptcy court trustee and your creditors. This is where you are expected to answer questions related to the information you provided in your forms. But, depending on your case, you might need to go to additional hearings. Your attorney can represent you in some of these hearings, such as:
- Chapter 13 confirmation hearings
- Chapter 7 reaffirmation hearings, and
- Any other motion or objection hearings filed either by you, your creditors or the trustee.
Even before you file your bankruptcy case, your attorney may already discuss with you what these hearings are and which of them require your attendance.
Contact One of the Best Bankruptcy Attorneys in West Virginia
Choose bankruptcy attorneys in West Virginia who have the good track record in bankruptcy cases. More than knowledge and skills, it will be better if you get bankruptcy attorneys in West Virginia who are also empathetic and fully understand your financial situation in such a way that they also come up with the best possible solutions. Go for one of the best attorneys in West Virginia. Call Thomas E. McIntire and Associates, L.C. for your free initial consultation and your first step towards securing your financial future.
