Since bankruptcy law is complex, navigating the process on your own can result in making costly mistakes. Fortunately, having a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney is a great way to avoid committing errors that result in losing valuable property.

But if you've never filed for bankruptcy before, you probably don't have a lawyer at your disposal. Even finding the right one for your situation can be an arduous process.

If you aren't sure how to begin, the following are several ideas to find the best attorney for the job:

1. Make a list – Use the internet to search for a local bankruptcy lawyer. Additionally, you can ask your friends, family, or peers for any referrals—if you feel comfortable disclosing your situation to others.
2. Contact the lawyers on your list – Once you've compiled a list of promising candidates, you want to start making phone calls and/or sending emails. Ensure they specialize in bankruptcy, understand federal laws, and can help you right away. Many lawyers will answer general questions over the phone, which enables you to form a first impression without meeting them in person. If you're not comfortable with that person, then remove them from your list.
3. Make an appointment – Narrow down your list to those you would like to meet and set up an in-person consultation with each candidate. Please consider each lawyer's level of experience level and the amount of cases they handle per year, the complexity of your case, how much are their fees, and their personality.

A good attorney can provide guidance on how to handle your finances, how to clear your debt, how to stop creditor harassment, and how to get a fresh start in life. Once you've found the person who possesses the ideal combination of experience, cost, and character, then you're ready to get your life back on track.

If you are interested in filing for bankruptcy in Richmond, VA, request a free consultation from our experienced bankruptcy lawyer at Bruce W. White, PC today.