Choosing a Good Bankruptcy Lawyer in New York and New Jersey
1. Don’t wait until last minute
Waiting until the last minute won’t give you the time you need to find a good attorney. And it won’t give a good attorney enough time to adequately prepare for your case. We at the Law Offices of William Z Schneider & Associates pride ourselves in familiarizing ourselves with each case in order to provide competent and complete representation.
2. Don’t ask friends for referrals.
Unless your buddy has gone through a bankruptcy, he or she won’t have any leads for you. Asking will just waste time, instead consider who among your circle of acquaintances might know a bankruptcy lawyer. If you have a personal attorney, start there. Keep in mind, however, that bankruptcy law is a specialty, so if your lawyer offers to handle the case as part of your usual retainer, make sure he knows his way around bankruptcy court. William Z Schneider & Associates have over 10 years experience handling consumer bankruptcy cases. We are proud members of the National Consumer Associate of Bankruptcy Attorneys and have been commended by the Federal Court for our Pro Bono work.
3. Spend a day at bankruptcy court.
Observing the attorneys in action can give you an idea of the lawyer you want representing you. At the court you also can find out which locals specialize in this form of law. And you can get a chance to talk to the debtors and can ask them whether they felt their lawyers did a good job. William Z Schneider & Associates have handled hundreds of consumer bankruptcy cases and had great success in restoring our client’s financial freedom
4. Check out the law firm’s offices.
You’re not looking for how tastefully a lawyer’s office is decorated, but how well-organized an office is, as well as the general environment. This office appraisal can give you vital clues as to how a lawyer would handle your case. Come in today for your free consultation. With three locations spread across the tri-state area – you will find a lawyer conveniently located near you
5. Evaluate whether you will be assigned a bankruptcy attorney.
At William Z Schneider & Associates, our relationship is unique from other firms. Once you are assigned a bankruptcy attorney, you will work directly with them. Unlike other law firms, we pride ourselves in tailored bankruptcy representation and will dedicate a bankruptcy attorney from the initial consultation to long after the bankruptcy discharge.
6. Don’t hire the cheapest lawyer.
As experienced bankruptcy attorneys we know that you are filing because you don’t have a lot of cash to spare. But like most things in life, taking the cheap route in bankruptcy could cost you even more in the end if a bargain attorney makes mistakes. Verify what the going rate is in your area. Your local bar association probably can help you determine whether a proposed fee is fair and in line with local standards. Anybody who charges too much or too little probably shouldn’t be your lawyer of choice. As experienced NY NJ bankruptcy attorneys, we provide tailored, professional bankruptcy representation at a reasonable price. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
7. Get fee specifics.
Find out exactly what the costs of bankruptcy are. What’s included in your lawyer’s fees? What’s not? In some complicated proceedings, for example, a forensic accountant may be needed. If that’s the case, is it included in your charges or is it an additional fee? Again – at our intial consultation, we will go over all fees and charges to make sure there are absolutely no surprises. We will always be upfront and on call to answer all questions you may have.
8. Stay involved.
Once you hire a lawyer, don’t be content to let him or her handle it alone. Double check all filings. Did any of your creditors get dropped off the list? Staying on top of your bankruptcy filing will help ensure that the proceedings go smoothly and will keep your lawyer on his or her toes. Every file is checked by us and by you. We make this promise to you, there will never be a filing sent out that you have not checked and approved. That is one of many things that set William Z Schneider & Associates apart from all other bankruptcy attorneys: Our honesty and dedication to your financial success.
