How to Find a Good Debt Relief Attorney
Finding a good debt relief attorney is the most important step you can take in achieving freedom from overwhelming debt. Focus your efforts on finding a lawyer who deals with your specific issue and one that will be there for you, helping you through the whole process from start to finish.
Communication is also very important when looking for an attorney. You want to find one that returns your calls. Pay particular attention to the chemistry between you and the lawyer you are considering. If you feel uncomfortable with that person during your first few meetings, you may never achieve an ideal lawyer-client relationship. Trust your instincts.
What Type of Attorney do I Need?
You want to find a debt attorney who has specialized expertise in this area and experience with bankruptcy. It is also a good idea to find an attorney familiar with the courts and laws of the area in which you live. This will enable the attorney to represent your best interests.
Contact the Bar Association
Your state bar association keeps public records about complaints and disciplinary actions taken against attorneys licensed to practice in the state. You can visit the Lawyer Referral Directory of the American Bar Association to being your search for an experienced debt attorney in your state. Also review online directories of attorneys that offer free reviews, including but not limited to AVVO.com and LawyerRatingz.com.
Get Recommendations from your Family, Friends & Employer
Talk to friends, family members, and people in your community who have used an attorney. Find out who they hired and what type of service they offer, and if they were happy with the services provided.
Another resource is your employer. Ask if your employer offers discounted legal services through either a specialized program or an EAP (Employer Assistance Program). For example, if your EAP offers a free 30-minute legal consultation, you can use that time to figure out if bankruptcy or debt negotiation makes sense for your situation.
Make a list of potential attorneys that practice in or around your location. This will help you eliminate some attorneys and choose others that might be right for you.
Review Each Attorney’s Website
You will want to check for specific information on the practice areas of the attorney. Also look for background information such as his or her law school. Review each attorney’s website for general information about the type of legal issue you may need help with, including frequently asked questions or blogs with articles pertaining to your debt or legal issue. The best attorneys will maintain well developed websites offering informative content.
Most attorney’s websites will provide information about each attorney working for the firm, including their educational background and work history. Typically, you should look for an attorney with at least 3 to 5 years of experience practicing the type of law with which you need help.
Many attorneys may also use social media such as Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Check out these profiles as well. How an attorney conveys himself/herself to the public may help you get a sense of how well you would be able to work with them, as well as how comfortable you would be having the attorney assist you professionally with your needs.
Harold Shepley and Associates can Help
At Harold Shepley and Associates, LLC, we have experience dealing with personal debt. We are a full service law firm that is client-oriented and will work hard to meet your needs from debt negotiation to bankruptcy. Call us today at 877-827-9006, or complete our easy to use contact form. We’re ready to help!
