The right bankruptcy attorney can protect consumers from debt collectors and find a way to lower or erase their debt obligations. They also know the laws that apply to a given filing locality and can use that knowledge to their client's advantage.

A bankruptcy attorney can also help avoid costly errors that may affect the outcome of a case. They can do this by ensuring all paperwork is properly filled out and valuing property to ensure eligibility for discharge.

They Can Help You File

A Harrisburg, PA bankruptcy attorney is familiar with both federal and local laws related to bankruptcy, as well as the court’s procedures and personnel. He or she can use this knowledge to your advantage during the bankruptcy process.

Your bankruptcy lawyer should help you size up your financial circumstances and determine whether or not filing for bankruptcy is right for you. If it is, your lawyer will explain the different types of bankruptcy available and advise you which debts to include in the filing.

The attorney will also help you gather and organize all the necessary financial records. He or she will review them to make sure that they are complete and accurate. This will prevent creditors from requesting a 2004(a) examination, which can delay your bankruptcy case and reduce the likelihood that your debts will be discharged. This will also help your credit score recover faster. Your attorney will also assist with any hearings you may have to attend.

They Can Help You Keep Your Property

Regardless of whether you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which liquidates assets and erases debts, or a more involved Chapter 13 bankruptcy that allows you to keep certain assets in exchange for partial repayment, your lawyer will make sure that you are making the most of available exemption laws. These laws differ by state, and an experienced attorney will know how to use them to your advantage.

They will also make sure that your property is correctly valued and that you are aware of which of your debts are going to be wiped out and which will remain. This will help you avoid losing any valuable property and ensure that you get the full benefit of bankruptcy .

Finally, they can help you keep your bankruptcy private by ensuring that only the court and the trustee see your case documents. This can prevent creditors from harassing you or your family members in the future. It will also make it less likely that you’ll have to appear in court for a hearing.

They Can Help You Negotiate With Creditors

Bankruptcy can help people with insurmountable debt get a fresh start while also
giving creditors an opportunity to repay what they are owed. An experienced bankruptcy attorney knows the benefits and pitfalls of filing and can guide you through the process with confidence.

A bankruptcy attorney can also negotiate with creditors on your behalf. They can work with you to consolidate and restructure your debt so that it fits within your budget, as well as work to settle or forgive some of your outstanding balances. This can include working to negotiate a modification of secured debt, like mortgages and car payments or unsecured debt, like credit card balances.

A good bankruptcy lawyer will also be familiar with the laws of your state and that of the court in which you will be filing. This can be important because court procedures tend to vary by locality. They will know how to value your assets realistically, choose and apply exemptions to keep certain property, and determine which of your debts
will be discharged or survive your case.

They Can Help You Get the Debt Relief You Need

Even though it is possible to file bankruptcy without a lawyer, statistics show that people who hire one have a much better outcome. Your attorney can help you avoid making mistakes that could jeopardize your case, like filling out paperwork incorrectly or turning it in after the deadline.

In addition, your attorney can help you choose and apply the exemption rules correctly so that you keep as much of your property as possible. They can also help you correctly value your property, explain which debts are wiped out and which are not, and guide you through the rest of the bankruptcy process.

Even though filing for bankruptcy does damage your credit and stays on record for 7 or 10 years, it can provide a fresh start by eliminating overwhelming debt and allowing you to get back on track. It is important to note, however, that the best solution for most clients will be a less drastic option like debt settlement or a debt management program.