Hiring a bankruptcy lawyer is a heavy step. You are tired, scared, and unsure who to trust with your money and your future. The wrong lawyer can cost you time, sleep, and what little savings you have left. The right one can steady you, explain each choice, and protect you from surprise. Before you sign anything, you need clear answers. This guide walks you through sharp questions that reveal how a lawyer works, what you will pay, and how your case will move. It also helps you see warning signs, like vague fees or rushed meetings. Whether you speak with a large firm or a focused practice like the Law Office of Corey L. Mills, these questions keep you in control. You deserve honest information before you hand over your case, your story, and your last bit of trust.
1. What types of bankruptcy cases do you handle most?
You need a lawyer who handles cases like yours all the time. Bankruptcy law is strict. A lawyer who mostly does other work may miss key details.
Ask these questions:
- How many Chapter 7 cases did you handle in the past year
- How many Chapter 13 cases did you handle in the past year
- Do you handle small business or only personal cases
Then ask the lawyer to explain which chapter fits you and why. You can read short guides on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 from the U.S. Courts Bankruptcy Basics page before your meeting. That way you know if the answer matches trusted public information.
2. Who will actually work on my case each day
Many offices use teams. That can help your case move. It can also cause confusion if you never know who to call.
Ask:
- Will you be the main person on my case
- Will paralegals or junior staff handle most steps
- Who goes with me to the meeting with the trustee
- How fast do you respond to calls and emails
You need one clear contact person. You also need a clear plan for updates. You are under stress. You should not have to chase answers.
3. What will this cost me from start to finish
Money is tight. You cannot afford surprise fees. The lawyer should give you numbers you can write down and review at home.
Ask for:
- Exact attorney fee
- Court filing fee
- Credit counseling and debtor education costs
- Any payment plan rules or late charges
You can check current federal filing fees on the U.S. Courts fee schedule. If the numbers do not match, ask why.
4. How do your services compare
Cost is only one part. You also need to know what you get for that cost. Use a short table during your meetings and fill it in for each lawyer.
| Question | Lawyer A | Lawyer B | Lawyer C
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total attorney fee | |||
| Includes court filing fee | Yes / No | Yes / No | Yes / No |
| Payment plan offered | Yes / No | Yes / No | Yes / No |
| Average time to answer calls | |||
| Years of bankruptcy experience | |||
| Handles both Chapter 7 and 13 | Yes / No | Yes / No | Yes / No |
This table helps you see patterns fast. You can share it with a spouse or trusted family member and decide together.
5. What outcome should I expect
A trustworthy lawyer will not promise a result. Yet the lawyer should give a clear range of likely outcomes.
Ask:
- Which debts will likely be erased
- Which debts will likely stay
- What risk do I have of losing a car or home
- How long will the case likely take
You can confirm basic rules on which debts may be wiped out through education material from state courts or law schools. For example, the University of Illinois Extension explains common debt types in its consumer education resources. Search for those by name before or after your meeting.
6. How will bankruptcy affect my credit and daily life
Bankruptcy affects more than numbers. It can shape where you live and how you feel when you check the mail.
Ask the lawyer to explain in simple steps:
- How long the bankruptcy will stay on your credit report
- How soon you may qualify again for a car loan or rental
- What you must do after discharge to avoid new trouble
Also ask if the lawyer offers any post case guidance. You can also use free credit education from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to rebuild your habits.
7. What do you need from me and when
Many bankruptcies fall apart because documents are late or missing. You need a lawyer who tells you exactly what to gather and by what date.
Ask for a written list that covers at least:
- Pay stubs and proof of income
- Tax returns
- Bank statements
- List of all debts and assets
Then ask how the office keeps your records safe. You have a right to know how your private details are stored and shared.
8. What warning signs should make me walk away
Your body often knows before your mind. If you leave a meeting feeling pushed or confused, pay attention.
Consider walking away if:
- The lawyer will not put fees in writing
- You feel rushed and cut off when you ask questions
- Staff speak to you in a harsh or cold tone
- The lawyer promises results that sound too easy
You deserve respect and clear answers. You are not a burden. You are a person in a hard season who needs steady help.
9. Making a firm and steady choice
Bankruptcy is a legal tool that gives many families a new start. It is not a mark of failure. It is a reset that the law has allowed for generations to keep people from lifelong debt chains.
When you ask sharp questions, take notes, and compare lawyers, you protect yourself and your family. You also set the tone for the whole case. You show that you expect honesty, care, and clear words. That is how you move from fear to control, one answer at a time.
