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Step 1
Check the status of any bankruptcy attorney that you are planning to retain on the state bar association website. Generally all attorneys should be members of at least one state bar association. The bar association will also give you information on any disciplinary actions brought against the attorney.
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Step 2
Set up a bankruptcy consultation with several bankruptcy attorneys. Most bankruptcy attorneys will provide you with a free 30 minute consultation and will answer a few questions over the phone, free of charge. The bankruptcy attorney should review your current assets, income, budget and your previous financial circumstances to understand whether you qualify for bankruptcy. Based on the complexity of your case, the attorney should explain to you the legal fees and costs associated with filing for bankruptcy. Depending on the bankruptcy attorney, you may be required to pay all fees up-front prior to filing your case or only a portion prior to filing your bankruptcy case.
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Step 3
After the initial free consultation, if you decide that bankruptcy is your best option, select an attorney not only based on cost, but whether they appear knowledgeable and experienced. The required retainer may be as little as $100. You will be required to sign a retainer contract and disclosures as part of retaining a bankruptcy attorney. Once you have retained a bankruptcy attorney you will be able to refer your creditor calls to the attorney's office.
