Finding a law firm that offers both an experienced lawyer and personal attention can be a daunting task. We will use Texas bankruptcy legal services as an example. There are several helpful criterion for evaluating your prospective attorney:
Does the lawyer practice the type of law relevant to your case? That might sound obvious but law practices can be highly fragmented. If you know you are looking for San Antonio bankruptcy law, than this narrows your search considerably.
Will this attorney devote attention to me or are they overextended? Lawyers are notorious workaholics and often find themselves being dragged in a million directions. An Austin bankruptcy case may seem like a simple legal proceeding but constant contact with your attorney is critical. For Austin bankruptcy proceedings most of the legal services are preparatory. A lawyer who is diligent and responsive will ensure the bankruptcy case goes smoothly.
It is okay to ask for references. People ask for them when you apply for a new job, so should you. If your residence is in Houston, than ask for specific Houston bankruptcy cases they have handled.
Then, in the same vain, you should conduct an interview. Do not let an attorney intimidate you with their fancy suit and legal jargon. Make them explicitly explain how they can best handle your case. Make sure they can quickly and poignantly answer your questing about Houston bankruptcy. Find out if there are any differences between Houston bankruptcy and San Antonio bankruptcy.
Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. Ask around among friends and co-workers whose opinions you value. Joe may not want to talk specifically about his Austin bankruptcy case but he will probably discreetly divulge whether he is satisfied with his current legal counsel. To avoid the fear of disclosure there are helpful online communities that allow people to comment on local law offices. For example, you could search San Antonio Bankruptcy on yelp.com and find reviews on local law firms.
Legal service is not something people look forward to, but the experience can be relatively innocuous if you keep these tips in mind when searching for your next legal team.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
When To Call A Bankruptcy Lawyer
With so many businesses and individuals facing what is known as the Second Great Depression, filing for bankruptcy is a step that more and more people are finding they have to take in order to save their most valuable assets, primarily their home. Although you can file for bankruptcy on your own, a good Houston bankruptcy lawyer is highly recommended to help you through the maze of legal mumbo jumbo that you may not understand.
You will most assuredly have some questions and feelings about this legal procedure and a Houston lawyer can answer your questions and set your mind at ease. Feelings of failure may intrude but he or she will help you understand that this may very well be the thing needed in order to save your home and perhaps business. A good lawyer will also let you know that you are not the only one in this economy who has had to "start over."
If you are worried that filing bankruptcy will cause you to lose your home, you should voice that concern to your attorney. There is a "Homestead Exemption" available which allows you to keep your through the bankruptcy ordeal. Ask your attorney if you have a chance with the homestead exemption and he/she will tell you whether the pursuit will be worthwhile.
Your Houston bankruptcy case may seem a bit overwhelming, but your lawyer will be there to help you rebuild while helping to keep bill collectors from harassing you. With a good lawyer, your bankruptcy case will enable you a fresh start, and with a little time and hard work, you'll find yourself able to relax again.
Each state has its own laws and hiring a Houston bankruptcy lawyer is the best thing for a person to do so that everything is legal and your rights are protected in the matter. If you find yourself in the position of having to do this to save your home or business, or you need to simply start over given the economy situation, do so with an attorney by your side.
You will most assuredly have some questions and feelings about this legal procedure and a Houston lawyer can answer your questions and set your mind at ease. Feelings of failure may intrude but he or she will help you understand that this may very well be the thing needed in order to save your home and perhaps business. A good lawyer will also let you know that you are not the only one in this economy who has had to "start over."
If you are worried that filing bankruptcy will cause you to lose your home, you should voice that concern to your attorney. There is a "Homestead Exemption" available which allows you to keep your through the bankruptcy ordeal. Ask your attorney if you have a chance with the homestead exemption and he/she will tell you whether the pursuit will be worthwhile.
Your Houston bankruptcy case may seem a bit overwhelming, but your lawyer will be there to help you rebuild while helping to keep bill collectors from harassing you. With a good lawyer, your bankruptcy case will enable you a fresh start, and with a little time and hard work, you'll find yourself able to relax again.
Each state has its own laws and hiring a Houston bankruptcy lawyer is the best thing for a person to do so that everything is legal and your rights are protected in the matter. If you find yourself in the position of having to do this to save your home or business, or you need to simply start over given the economy situation, do so with an attorney by your side.
Consumer Bankruptcy Increasing in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio
Of course, it is not just happening in Texas. Men and women in households around this country are facing difficult financial decisions in light of our current economy. The questions being raised around the dinner table can range from how to scale back the summer vacation plans and who is going to be responsible for clipping coupons this week to which bills can go unpaid until next month and how to let your youngest child know that the plans to attend her dream college needs to be put on hold. What are the options available to an individual or a family that needs to see some improvement in their financial standing or else face dire consequences? In an effort to avoid a home foreclosure, many people try to sell their homes and look for a new place to live with a lower rent or mortgage payment. But, with today's housing market, properties can have "For Sale" signs planted in their front yards for months before an interested buyer is found. More and more debtors are turning to debt consolidation services, which promise on those daytime and late-night television ads to lower your monthly payments into one manageable fee. However, what if your situation is so desperate that these options will not be enough to ease your burden? As Texan debtors and others throughout the United States are deciding, filing for bankruptcy protection may be the best option in these troubling economic times.
The recent numbers concerning bankruptcy in our state show what is increasingly becoming a harsh reality for our fellow Texans, particularly in Austin, Houston and San Antonio. Just in the first few months of 2009, court records indicate that approximately 2,672 bankruptcy cases have been filed in Houston. This number shows a 6.2% increase over the 2,515 cases that were filed during the same time period last year. The jump in filings in some of our other major cities is even more startling. In San Antonio, the bankruptcy filings for the first three months of 2009 totaled 1,127, which is a 22.5% increase from the 920 such filings, which occurred between January and March of 2008. And, the numbers indicate that those living in our state capitol in Austin are also trying to relieve themselves of some of their overwhelming financial burdens. Bankruptcy filings of all types in the Austin area totaled just over 800 in the first quarter of 2009, which is up 25% from the same period last year. Despite data that shows more Texans are struggling to maintain their personal financial standing, our state is still faring better that most others in the country. Last year, Texas ranked forty-sixth in the nation in bankruptcies, even better than our 2007 ranking which placed us at number thirty-nine. Of course, this relatively good news does nothing to lessen the pain of each individual who is facing bankruptcy.
For those who are considering the option of declaring bankruptcy, you should be aware of the state and federal laws that affect such filings in Texas. There are two options available to individuals—Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Chapter 7, the most common approach, is considered straightforward liquidation bankruptcy in which your non-exempt assets are handed over to a trustee appointed by the court and then converted into cash to pay your creditors. In reality, most people who file Ch. 7 have no non-exempt assets to sell and the Ch 7 bankruptcy filing essentially becomes a fresh start for their finances. The federal bankruptcy laws in Texas have deemed it so you can determine if you want to use the federal exemption statutes or the Texas statutes when cataloging the assets that creditors are not allowed to touch. With Texas having the most generous list in the country concerning what debtors may keep, most bankruptcy filers choose to follow the Texas guidelines. You are eligible for Ch 7 bankruptcy if your income is below that of the median family income in Texas, as determined by U.S. Census Bureau statistics. If it is initially determined that your income is too high to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the court can review your income from the past six months and your current expenses to form a decision based on your specific situation.
If the bankruptcy court determines that your financial standing makes you ineligible for a Ch 7 filing, then Ch 13 may be the most appropriate action for you. Under this system, known as debt reorganization bankruptcy, debtors develop a payment plan that will repay creditors over a period of three to five years. If you have some non-exempt assets that you wish to retain even after declaring bankruptcy, you may prefer to file as a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This also holds true for people who have debts such as taxes or students loans that cannot be cleared through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
While a Chapter 13 filing may be seen as similar to working with a debt consolidation service, as both set up regular payments with the intention of bringing you current with your creditors, individuals looking for financial relief should know there are differences in the two options. With Chapter 13, you get the assurance of a court-appointed trustee (who may or may not be lawyers) who works with you to make sure that payments are appropriate and processed correctly. On the other hand, some private companies may be scams out to make a profit by charging exorbitant fees and they may not even result in the credit relief you desire. Such contracts should only be signed after completing extensive research on the company and reading the experiences that others have had.
Filing bankruptcy may seem like a wonderful solution to a financial crisis that has been draining you for years and this is true in many cases. However, you must remember that when you hire an attorney and declare bankruptcy you are affecting your assets, your credit score, and creating a record that is available to the public. It is essential that you have an effective and thorough bankruptcy lawyer who will be by your side as you navigate through the bankruptcy courtroom proceedings and the cumbersome paperwork. Mistakes can result in losing assets that you consider essential to protect. And, if you fail to report some of your assets, federal criminal charges may result. Why take any chances with your money, your treasured belongings, and even your future? If you may be filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy soon, your first step should be a phone call to an experienced bankruptcy attorney.
The recent numbers concerning bankruptcy in our state show what is increasingly becoming a harsh reality for our fellow Texans, particularly in Austin, Houston and San Antonio. Just in the first few months of 2009, court records indicate that approximately 2,672 bankruptcy cases have been filed in Houston. This number shows a 6.2% increase over the 2,515 cases that were filed during the same time period last year. The jump in filings in some of our other major cities is even more startling. In San Antonio, the bankruptcy filings for the first three months of 2009 totaled 1,127, which is a 22.5% increase from the 920 such filings, which occurred between January and March of 2008. And, the numbers indicate that those living in our state capitol in Austin are also trying to relieve themselves of some of their overwhelming financial burdens. Bankruptcy filings of all types in the Austin area totaled just over 800 in the first quarter of 2009, which is up 25% from the same period last year. Despite data that shows more Texans are struggling to maintain their personal financial standing, our state is still faring better that most others in the country. Last year, Texas ranked forty-sixth in the nation in bankruptcies, even better than our 2007 ranking which placed us at number thirty-nine. Of course, this relatively good news does nothing to lessen the pain of each individual who is facing bankruptcy.
For those who are considering the option of declaring bankruptcy, you should be aware of the state and federal laws that affect such filings in Texas. There are two options available to individuals—Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Chapter 7, the most common approach, is considered straightforward liquidation bankruptcy in which your non-exempt assets are handed over to a trustee appointed by the court and then converted into cash to pay your creditors. In reality, most people who file Ch. 7 have no non-exempt assets to sell and the Ch 7 bankruptcy filing essentially becomes a fresh start for their finances. The federal bankruptcy laws in Texas have deemed it so you can determine if you want to use the federal exemption statutes or the Texas statutes when cataloging the assets that creditors are not allowed to touch. With Texas having the most generous list in the country concerning what debtors may keep, most bankruptcy filers choose to follow the Texas guidelines. You are eligible for Ch 7 bankruptcy if your income is below that of the median family income in Texas, as determined by U.S. Census Bureau statistics. If it is initially determined that your income is too high to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the court can review your income from the past six months and your current expenses to form a decision based on your specific situation.
If the bankruptcy court determines that your financial standing makes you ineligible for a Ch 7 filing, then Ch 13 may be the most appropriate action for you. Under this system, known as debt reorganization bankruptcy, debtors develop a payment plan that will repay creditors over a period of three to five years. If you have some non-exempt assets that you wish to retain even after declaring bankruptcy, you may prefer to file as a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This also holds true for people who have debts such as taxes or students loans that cannot be cleared through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
While a Chapter 13 filing may be seen as similar to working with a debt consolidation service, as both set up regular payments with the intention of bringing you current with your creditors, individuals looking for financial relief should know there are differences in the two options. With Chapter 13, you get the assurance of a court-appointed trustee (who may or may not be lawyers) who works with you to make sure that payments are appropriate and processed correctly. On the other hand, some private companies may be scams out to make a profit by charging exorbitant fees and they may not even result in the credit relief you desire. Such contracts should only be signed after completing extensive research on the company and reading the experiences that others have had.
Filing bankruptcy may seem like a wonderful solution to a financial crisis that has been draining you for years and this is true in many cases. However, you must remember that when you hire an attorney and declare bankruptcy you are affecting your assets, your credit score, and creating a record that is available to the public. It is essential that you have an effective and thorough bankruptcy lawyer who will be by your side as you navigate through the bankruptcy courtroom proceedings and the cumbersome paperwork. Mistakes can result in losing assets that you consider essential to protect. And, if you fail to report some of your assets, federal criminal charges may result. Why take any chances with your money, your treasured belongings, and even your future? If you may be filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy soon, your first step should be a phone call to an experienced bankruptcy attorney.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Choosing the Right Lawyer
Finding a law firm that offers both an experienced lawyer and personal attention can be a daunting task. We will use Texas bankruptcy legal services as an example. There are several helpful criterion for evaluating your prospective attorney:
Does the lawyer practice the type of law relevant to your case? That might sound obvious but law practices can be highly fragmented. If you know you are looking for San Antonio bankruptcy law, than this narrows your search considerably.
Will this attorney devote attention to me or are they overextended? Lawyers are notorious workaholics and often find themselves being dragged in a million directions. An Austin bankruptcy case may seem like a simple legal proceeding but constant contact with your attorney is critical. For Austin bankruptcy proceedings most of the legal services are preparatory. A lawyer who is diligent and responsive will ensure the bankruptcy case goes smoothly.
It is okay to ask for references. People ask for them when you apply for a new job, so should you. If your residence is in Houston, than ask for specific Houston bankruptcy cases they have handled.
Then, in the same vain, you should conduct an interview. Do not let an attorney intimidate you with their fancy suit and legal jargon. Make them explicitly explain how they can best handle your case. Make sure they can quickly and poignantly answer your questing about Houston bankruptcy. Find out if there are any differences between Houston bankruptcy and San Antonio bankruptcy.
Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. Ask around among friends and co-workers whose opinions you value. Joe may not want to talk specifically about his Austin bankruptcy case but he will probably discreetly divulge whether he is satisfied with his current legal counsel. To avoid the fear of disclosure there are helpful online communities that allow people to comment on local law offices. For example, you could search San Antonio Bankruptcy on yelp.com and find reviews on local law firms.
Legal service is not something people look forward to, but the experience can be relatively innocuous if you keep these tips in mind when searching for your next legal team.
Does the lawyer practice the type of law relevant to your case? That might sound obvious but law practices can be highly fragmented. If you know you are looking for San Antonio bankruptcy law, than this narrows your search considerably.
Will this attorney devote attention to me or are they overextended? Lawyers are notorious workaholics and often find themselves being dragged in a million directions. An Austin bankruptcy case may seem like a simple legal proceeding but constant contact with your attorney is critical. For Austin bankruptcy proceedings most of the legal services are preparatory. A lawyer who is diligent and responsive will ensure the bankruptcy case goes smoothly.
It is okay to ask for references. People ask for them when you apply for a new job, so should you. If your residence is in Houston, than ask for specific Houston bankruptcy cases they have handled.
Then, in the same vain, you should conduct an interview. Do not let an attorney intimidate you with their fancy suit and legal jargon. Make them explicitly explain how they can best handle your case. Make sure they can quickly and poignantly answer your questing about Houston bankruptcy. Find out if there are any differences between Houston bankruptcy and San Antonio bankruptcy.
Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. Ask around among friends and co-workers whose opinions you value. Joe may not want to talk specifically about his Austin bankruptcy case but he will probably discreetly divulge whether he is satisfied with his current legal counsel. To avoid the fear of disclosure there are helpful online communities that allow people to comment on local law offices. For example, you could search San Antonio Bankruptcy on yelp.com and find reviews on local law firms.
Legal service is not something people look forward to, but the experience can be relatively innocuous if you keep these tips in mind when searching for your next legal team.
When To Call A Bankruptcy Lawyer
With so many businesses and individuals facing what is known as the Second Great Depression, filing for bankruptcy is a step that more and more people are finding they have to take in order to save their most valuable assets, primarily their home. Although you can file for bankruptcy on your own, a good Houston bankruptcy lawyer is highly recommended to help you through the maze of legal mumbo jumbo that you may not understand.
You will most assuredly have some questions and feelings about this legal procedure and a Houston lawyer can answer your questions and set your mind at ease. Feelings of failure may intrude but he or she will help you understand that this may very well be the thing needed in order to save your home and perhaps business. A good lawyer will also let you know that you are not the only one in this economy who has had to "start over."
If you are worried that filing bankruptcy will cause you to lose your home, you should voice that concern to your attorney. There is a "Homestead Exemption" available which allows you to keep your through the bankruptcy ordeal. Ask your attorney if you have a chance with the homestead exemption and he/she will tell you whether the pursuit will be worthwhile.
Your Houston bankruptcy case may seem a bit overwhelming, but your lawyer will be there to help you rebuild while helping to keep bill collectors from harassing you. With a good lawyer, your bankruptcy case will enable you a fresh start, and with a little time and hard work, you'll find yourself able to relax again.
Each state has its own laws and hiring a Houston bankruptcy lawyer is the best thing for a person to do so that everything is legal and your rights are protected in the matter. If you find yourself in the position of having to do this to save your home or business, or you need to simply start over given the economy situation, do so with an attorney by your side.
You will most assuredly have some questions and feelings about this legal procedure and a Houston lawyer can answer your questions and set your mind at ease. Feelings of failure may intrude but he or she will help you understand that this may very well be the thing needed in order to save your home and perhaps business. A good lawyer will also let you know that you are not the only one in this economy who has had to "start over."
If you are worried that filing bankruptcy will cause you to lose your home, you should voice that concern to your attorney. There is a "Homestead Exemption" available which allows you to keep your through the bankruptcy ordeal. Ask your attorney if you have a chance with the homestead exemption and he/she will tell you whether the pursuit will be worthwhile.
Your Houston bankruptcy case may seem a bit overwhelming, but your lawyer will be there to help you rebuild while helping to keep bill collectors from harassing you. With a good lawyer, your bankruptcy case will enable you a fresh start, and with a little time and hard work, you'll find yourself able to relax again.
Each state has its own laws and hiring a Houston bankruptcy lawyer is the best thing for a person to do so that everything is legal and your rights are protected in the matter. If you find yourself in the position of having to do this to save your home or business, or you need to simply start over given the economy situation, do so with an attorney by your side.
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