Hiring a bankruptcy attorney is often a difficult choice to make. Most people haven’t a clue where to start, especially in such a time of personal stress and financial turmoil. Can my creditors file bankruptcy for me? Is there any other alternative to bankruptcy, like consolidating my debt? What are the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy? Bankruptcy attorneys deal with these matters every day.
There are many kinds of bankruptcies, and there are usually many ways to prevent the ceiling from crashing down upon you, if caught early enough. Even though bankruptcy is generally governed by federal law, and bankruptcy cases are filed in federal court, one still needs to consult with a bankruptcy attorney in his own state. This is because state law addresses several areas that are not covered specifically by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Furthermore, it should be noted that the U.S. overhauled its federal bankruptcy laws in recent years, and certain laws and procedures may have changed from the last time you knew someone who went through this trying process.