Do I really need an attorney to file for bankruptcy?
If you are asking yourself this question, then chances are you have already decided you need debt relief, but at what cost? Are you willing to risk losing the things you have worked for like your house, car, retirement, or even just that family heirloom? Are you certain the debts you have are even dischargeable in bankruptcy? Unless you have a complete understanding of the intricacies of the bankruptcy code, the answer is yes, you need an attorney if you want to file for bankruptcy in Springfield Missouri.
First and foremost an attorney can advise you of your situation and determine if you should even file bankruptcy. Sometimes bankruptcy isn’t the best option. An attorney has an ethical obligation to let you know if that is the case.
Bankruptcy law requires a keen eye for details. Something as simple as a perfected lien on your automobile can mean the difference between keeping your vehicle and losing it to the bankrupt estate. A good attorney will look at the details and advise you of the possible outcomes of filing.
So you filed your case, now what?
Filing the case is just the beginning. Sure you are legally protected from collection efforts for a while but the real benefit of bankruptcy comes with the discharge of your debts. Once the case is filed, there is still work to do to see the case through to a favorable outcome. Your Meeting of Creditors, your counseling requirements, and general communication with your bankruptcy Trustee are all things that can make a big difference in this outcome.
It is fair to say speaking with an attorney regarding your bankruptcy is by far one of the best decisions you can make when considering debt relief. Before you cash out that 401k, hire a debt settlement company, or try filing a pro se case you should at the very least speak to a knowledgeable attorney on the subject.
