- March 5, 2025
- Kelvin Birk
- Bankruptcy
No one wants to have to file for bankruptcy, but if your financial problems have gotten to the point where you are being harassed by creditors and faced with the possibility of losing your home and possessions, bankruptcy may be the best choice available. Bankruptcy is a legal way to help consumers start over with a clean financial slate, but bankruptcy laws are complicated and there are several types to choose from. Depending on your individual situation, income level and debt, either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be most appropriate.
While a successful bankruptcy can leave you in a better financial state, filing is a complex and detailed legal process that involves many deadlines and procedures. Making mistakes can be costly and cause your bankruptcy to be dismissed without having your eligible debts eliminated, or even lead to a charge of fraud. That is why it is so important to choose the right bankruptcy attorney to help ensure everything is done properly and guide you through the process so you can achieve the best possible outcome.
How do you know what to look for when searching for an attorney? The following are some key factors to consider when choosing the right bankruptcy lawyer in Missouri.
Experience and Expertise
Your attorney should have the knowledge and experience to deal with all situations that can come up during the bankruptcy process. They should be thoroughly familiar with Missouri bankruptcy law, and know how to determine which type of bankruptcy is right for your individual set of circumstances. They should be able to make all court filings and appearances and deal with any complications that arise. They should have had significant experience in and a good track record of handling previous bankruptcy cases, as well as good references from past clients. It is a good idea to have a lawyer who focuses primarily on bankruptcy and related areas of law, rather than a general practitioner. Related areas of law include real estate law, probate law, accounting, and tax.
Communication and Accessibility
You are going to have many questions during the bankruptcy process, so choose a lawyer who is local and whose office is easy to get to. Your attorney should be familiar with the bankruptcy courts and legal procedures in Missouri and be able to communicate with you clearly and promptly. Find out if you will be able to have direct access to your attorney by phone, text, or in person, or if your case and questions will be handed off to an assistant or paralegal with less experience. You should be able to get through to your attorney easily, be kept informed about the progress of your case, and have your questions answered in a timely manner.
Fees and Billing Structure
You are already in financial difficulty when seeking a bankruptcy lawyer, so you want one who will work with your financial situation and come up with a payment structure you can afford. While you shouldn’t necessarily choose someone with rock bottom rates, many attorneys offer a free initial consultation where fees and billing structure can be discussed, and some are more flexible than others. Bankruptcy lawyers typically charge either a flat fee or an hourly rate. You should discuss and be clear about fees and any additional costs involved before you retain an attorney, to prevent unnecessary stress and conflict.
Compassion and Understanding
Financial difficulties can happen to even the most hard-working people, and life brings unexpected roadblocks such as illnesses and layoffs. Choose an attorney who is compassionate and has the perspective to better understand the nuances of your particular situation and doesn’t make you feel as if everything is your fault. And bankruptcy is not the best solution for everyone – there may be other debt relief solutions such as debt consolidation that can work better for you. Your lawyer should put your best interests above making money and find the best option for your financial situation, even if it doesn’t involve bankruptcy.
Reputation and References
When looking for a bankruptcy lawyer, you need to do some research as to their reputation and references. Reputation is more important, because even if a family member or friend referred you to a particular attorney, that attorney may not be right for your specific situation. Research the lawyer’s reputation in the legal community and among past clients. Check their background, what schools they attended, their areas of expertise, whether they have won any awards or have disciplinary actions against them, and when they took the bar. Review their website and look for testimonials from past clients and online reviews, bar association memberships, and certifications related to bankruptcy law. See if they are involved with and have done anything to help in the local community. Make appointments and meet with several bankruptcy lawyers to discuss your case and see how you feel about your rapport with them and their ability to assist you. Ask about their success rate and experience with cases similar to yours.
Get Help from Our Skilled Missouri Bankruptcy Lawyer
Bankruptcy is not something to be entered into lightly, but it can provide a fresh financial start and allow you to move on with your life. The process is complex, so be aware that having the right bankruptcy attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Missouri attorney Kelvin Birk is a Certified Public Accountant as well as a bankruptcy lawyer, with more than 30 years of experience in accounting and tax and business consulting. This dual background gives him the essential knowledge to help you navigate the bankruptcy process and make sure it goes as smoothly as possible. Read our client testimonials to see how we have helped others, and know that we are ready to do the same for you.
Call the Birk Law Firm today for a free consultation to discuss your individual situation and get started on the road to a brighter financial future.
FREE CONSULT CALL NOW 573-332-8585
Attorney Kelvin Birk
Kelvin Birk is a lawyer as well as a certified public accountant, with more than 30 years of experience in accounting and tax and business consulting, and more than 20 years of experience in numerous legal matters. This combined expertise allows our law firm to provide a level of service above that of other firms. Whatever your legal situation, your attorney at Birk Law Firm can counsel you as to the tax implications. We have experience in providing myriad legal representation services to residents of southeast Missouri and other areas.. [ Attorney Bio ]
