@Anonymous wrote:
I'm glad to know about NOLO, and that you respect it enough to recommend it. Nothing beats a personal recommendation!
Just to make sure there's no misunderstanding for those reading this thread, in our area most BK attorneys do a free consultation. That's what we did. And if I were in a position where I needed to file BK right now, I'd be in good shape to check out NOLO or other similar sources. (We were happy to do our wills with online legal assistance - painless and saved a bunch). However, at the time we filed, we were physically and emotionally exhausted. We really needed and benefitted from having a professional walk us through and do the work for us. And, even with an attorney, we ran into a glitch (someone sued us for money and ended up owing us) which our judge responded to by dismissing the (perfectly paid) BK - and we had to refile. I was devastated and once again benefitted from professional counsel.
It's always best to know all the options and do what's best for you personally. One of the great things about these forums is that you get a well-rounded gamut of information. Do what works best for you at the time! And the bottom line is - get as much information as you can - either from respected online/print sources and/or from respected professionals. Information is empowering and allows you to move forward with grace and power. Don't be content to sit back and wonder what the options are - take the appropriate steps to learn what's best for you.
Yes, most bankrutpcy attorneys do offer an initial free consultation. Given that an attorney's time is money, inevitably the vast majority of these free consulattions do not go too in depth. Even in those few cases where they do, virtually every potential bankruptcy filer will have questions occur to them after the initial consulatation.
That is why a reputable, solid resource is necessary before you even seek an attorney's advice. An informed individual will be able to formulate better, more relevant questions and be better able to understand the attorney's advice. In the event one -- and I believe wisely -- chooses to have the attorney represent them in the bankruptcy proceedings, Nolo can be used as a reference by the individual to not only audit the attorney's work, but to make sure they understand everything that is happening, avoid susprises and be an active participant in their case rather than just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Your chances of being content with the outcome of your case are much greater when you are an active, well-informed participant.
