Essential questions for your bankruptcy consultation
Your initial consultation is your opportunity to evaluate whether an attorney is the right fit. Here are questions that can help you make an informed decision.
About their experience
- How many bankruptcy cases have you personally handled?
- What percentage of your practice is bankruptcy?
- How many cases have you had dismissed or converted?
- Are you familiar with the local judges and trustees in this district?
- Will you personally handle my case, or will it be delegated to another attorney or paralegal?
About your case specifically
- Which chapter do you recommend for my situation, and why?
- What assets might I be at risk of losing?
- Are any of my debts non-dischargeable?
- What is the timeline for my case from filing to discharge?
- What could go wrong, and how would you handle it?
About fees and process
- What is your total fee, and what does it include?
- Are there any additional costs I should expect (filing fees, credit counseling, debtor education)?
- Do you offer payment plans?
- How will you communicate with me - phone, email, portal?
- How quickly do you typically respond to client questions?
Tip: Take notes during your consultation. A good attorney will welcome your questions and provide clear, honest answers - including telling you things you may not want to hear.