If you are considering bankruptcy in Miami, your first step is to get a bankruptcy consultation. This is an easy step that can help you decide if you even need to file for bankruptcy. A bankruptcy lawyer in Miami can sit down and go through your finances to determine if filing for bankruptcy is your best option. Here are a few steps to help you get ready for a bankruptcy consultation.
- Choose a lawyer. A consultation does not mean you are hiring that lawyer. Most bankruptcy and foreclosure attorneys in Miami offer free consultations. Ask friends and family for recommendations on a good bankruptcy lawyer. If you have used a attorney in another field of law, ask for their recommendation for a bankruptcy lawyer. It is a good idea to get several consultations from different bankruptcy law firms. Do a little bit of research and do not just hire the first bankruptcy lawyer you run across in the phone book. Also find out where the appointment will be held and how long it will take. Some law firms may only offer free consultations over the telephone, while you may feel more comfortable meeting in person.
- Get your paper work organized. Your lawyer will want to go through all of your financial records. When you go in for you consultation, make sure you have pay check stubs, tax returns for the last few years and bank account statements. You will also need to bring documentation on how much you owe and to which creditors. For the initial consultation, you may not need every bit of information, but it is better to give you Miami bankruptcy lawyer as much information as possible.
- Make the appointment. The lawyer may give you work sheets to fill out prior to the meeting. As you go through this paper work, jot down any questions you might have for your attorney. Deciding to file for bankruptcy is big decision, so do not feel embarrassed that you will ask too many questions. Make the best use of your time with a Miami foreclosure attorney to ask questions about what assets you might lose, how much money he will charge and which type of bankruptcy is best for your situation.
After the consultation, you have two decisions to make. First, you need to decide if bankruptcy is a good option for you. While your lawyer can give you advice, the decision is ultimately yours. Next, you need to decide which lawyer to hire. Pick a lawyer who seems organized, cares about you and seems to know what he is talking about. Ask for recommendations from satisfied customers. But in the end you need to choose the lawyer you feel most comfortable with.