Tony Sottile, Esq.

I am asked quite often, “how am I supposed to pay for this?” It can be quite frustrating, no one will argue with that. However there are a few options available. What many people don’t realize is that once you retain bankruptcy counsel you no longer need to pay certain bills! You will need to pay regular living expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, etc…, but the credit cards, medical bills and other debts that you are struggling with can be eliminated. The money you save on that is one way to pay for your attorney and filing fees. Also, many of my clients have friends and family that can give them a boost and help them pay their fees. These friends and family may use their own credit cards to help you out. Yes, we have the ability to take payments from 3rd parties - This not only can help get you filed, but can help you get filed quickly!

In short, filing bankruptcy is an investment in your future. Saving for your attorney fees will be substantially more affordable than struggling for years making the minimum payments on your credit cards.

By Richard K. Gustafson

Unfortunately, in my years of practicing law I’ve heard too many stories from people who consulted with attorneys who called them names, made them feel like dirt, and even laughed at them! I would never even consider doing this to a client. I would find it difficult to work with an attorney that treats me this way. Call me old fashioned, but I try to treat my clients the way I would want to be treated in return and I try to instill that basic rule into each of my employees.

I think you should genuinely like the attorney you hire to represent you. I’m not implying you have to be best buddies. But, I think a professional relationship that is to be successful for both parties needs to be based on a mutual respect. Ask yourself, can I get along with and talk to this person, or do I prefer to run and hide whenver I have to deal with this person?

By Richard K. Gustafson

Now, more than ever, it is important to not only hire an attorney to represent you for bankruptcy, but also make sure you choose a good attorney. The attorney’s experience and knowledge is one factor you should consider when choosing an attorney.

Experience and knowledge can’t always be apparent from the age of the lawyer or based on how many years the attorney has been practicing law. An attorney who has been licensed for 30 years, but who has only handled a few cases per year is not that “experienced” in bankruptcy. On the other hand, an attorney who has only been licensed to practice law for 2-3 years, but who has handled 30 cases per month is much more experienced in handling bankruptcy matters than the attorney who has been licensed for 30 years.

The attorney with the license for 30 years may have more life experience and more experience in other areas of law, but definitely does not have more experience handling bankruptcy matters.

Ask yourself, does this attorney give me the feeling that he/she has handled cases like mine in the past? Does this attorney demonstrate knowledge with regard to bankruptcy? Ask the attorney, “how many bankruptcy cases have you filed for your clients in the last month? These questions should be helpful in your decision about what lawyer you should hire to represent you in bankruptcy.