What happens if you are thinking of filing for bankruptcy but you want nothing to do with bankruptcy lawyers? The reality is that there is no way around hiring one if your intention is to file for bankruptcy. On the upside, there are many qualified bankruptcy lawyers in America. The downside: the average fee for a bankruptcy lawyer is about $2,000.
Lawsuit, Anyone?
American law has become so incredibly complex that lawyers are specialists in a particular matter of law. There are many types of lawyers, so if you are thinking of declaring bankruptcy, youre better off hiring a bankruptcy lawyer and not a family or business lawyer. If you’re having trouble deciding which lawyer to hire, ask a lawyer you know for recommendations, or check out the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA).
Professional Conduct
Actually, bankruptcy lawyers are under the same code of professional conduct as are other kinds of lawyers. As bankruptcy lawyers, they will not need to work with you so intensely for as long as would a defense attorney or even a divorce attorney. In other words, although a business lunch is considered okay for bankruptcy lawyers and their clients, going food shopping with them and cooking the clients breakfast in bed is right out.
In other words, although a business lunch between a bankruptcy lawyer and his/her client is standard protocol, shopping with or cooking for your bankruptcy lawyer is not. You are not required to give your lawyer a Christmas present, or even to hold the door open for him or her when their hands are full. You are, however, required to be truthful with them and to pay their fees.
You need to have a relationship at least as professional as you would establish with your dentist. Like dentists, bankruptcy lawyers need to be able to be easily contacted and be able to explain what they are doing for your case. Unlike dentists, bankruptcy lawyers should not be giving you laughing gas, even if you really need it. Also unlike dentists, bankruptcy lawyers are not allowed to work for their families or co-habitors. This is considered unethical behavior, as there is a conflict of interest.
Any professional situation requires both you and your lawyer to be clad, even if you are both living in nudist camps. Both you and your lawyer must conform to the legal norm in dress, hairstyle, manners and preventable bodily odors when in court. And both of you must remember that the Judge is God, or at least a benevolent Anti-Christ.