Finding a Lawyer

If your legal problem is complex or involves lots of money, you might not want to attempt to handle the entire matter without a lawyer. After all, lawyers do more than dispense legal information. They offer strategic advice and apply sophisticated technical skills to legal problems. Ideally, you'll be able to find a lawyer who's willing to serve as your legal "coach" to help you educate yourself to the maximum extent possible and to take over as your formal legal counsel only if necessary.

Should You Declare Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy helps people who can no longer pay their debts get a fresh start by liquidating assets to pay their debts or by creating a repayment plan. Bankruptcy laws also protect financially troubled businesses. This section explains the bankruptcy process and laws.

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Filing bankruptcy can help a person by discarding debt or making a plan to repay debts. A bankruptcy case normally begins when the debtor files a petition with the bankruptcy court. A petition may be filed by an individual, by spouses together, or by a corporation or other entity.   


All bankruptcy cases are handled in federal courts under rules outlined in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. There are different types of bankruptcies, which are usually referred to by their chapter in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Individuals may file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, depending on the specifics of their situation. Municipalities—cities, towns, villages, taxing districts, municipal utilities, and school districts may file under Chapter 9 to reorganize. Businesses may file bankruptcy under Chapter 7 to liquidate or Chapter 11 to reorganize. Chapter 12 provides debt relief to family farmers and fishermen. Bankruptcy filings that involve parties from more than one country are filed under Chapter 15.  Seeking the advice of a qualified lawyer is strongly recommended because bankruptcy has long-term financial and legal consequences. Individuals can file bankruptcy without a lawyer, which is called filing pro se.

Don't make a decision about a lawyer solely on the basis of someone else's recommendation. Different people will have different responses to a lawyer's style and personality; don't make up your mind about hiring a lawyer until you've met the lawyer, discussed your case, and decided that you feel comfortable working with him or her. Also, it may be hard to find lawyer through a personal referral with the expertise you need (for instance, if your friend had a great divorce lawyer, but you need bankruptcy advice, the referral may not do you much good).


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