| Bankruptcy laws have evolved over the last several | | | | 3. Attorneys Speak the Language of the Court |
| decades into a maze of legal proceedings that affect | | | | Words commonly used in legal proceedings have |
| not only a person's present financial stability, but | | | | developed specialized definitions that are used solely |
| future financial obligations and responsibilities as well. | | | | in the courtroom. When the same word is used |
| Using the professional services of a bankruptcy | | | | outside of the courtroom it may carry an entirely |
| attorney is not only wise in the short run but ensures | | | | different meaning. Some of the words and terms |
| fairness in the protection of one's assets for years | | | | used during legal proceedings have no common usage |
| to come. | | | | on the street in everyday conversation. Hiring a |
| There are five main reasons why people need a | | | | bankruptcy attorney to speak on behalf of the client |
| bankruptcy attorney. | | | | ensures that the client's best interests are both heard |
| 1. Protection of Rights | | | | and understood by all parties. |
| A bankruptcy attorney is trained to protect a client's | | | | 4. Future Financial Damage |
| legal rights and negotiate a fair settlement of assets | | | | Bankruptcies involve not only the possible liquidation |
| and debts. It's possible for people who are filing for | | | | of present assets but create even more problems |
| bankruptcy and who are unrepresented by legal | | | | down the road. Attorneys will help clients to minimize |
| counsel to be taken advantage of in unfair ways. | | | | the future effects of a bankruptcy as it relates to |
| The law provides a level of protection in bankruptcy | | | | credit ratings, loans and other financial matters. |
| court that attorneys understand. People who enter | | | | 5. Fairness |
| into bankruptcy proceedings unrepresented by an | | | | At the heart of bankruptcy proceedings is fairness. |
| attorney may find themselves victimized by | | | | People do not intentionally end up in a bankruptcy. An |
| unscrupulous creditors. | | | | attorney who represents the client's interests will |
| 2. Ignorance of the Law | | | | present a case to the court that accurately reflects |
| Most people who petition for bankruptcy protection | | | | the facts and explains why the client is there. |
| have absolutely no idea of how to proceed in filing | | | | Creditors understandably want to be paid what they |
| the necessary paperwork. Courts are highly | | | | are owed but the days of debtor's prison are long |
| structured with formidable filing requirements that the | | | | gone. A bankruptcy attorney is qualified to negotiate |
| average citizen knows nothing about. A good | | | | a fair settlement that will benefit both the client and |
| attorney will file the proper paperwork at the right | | | | the creditors. |
| time and for the right reasons. | | | | |