Guide to Finding Massachusetts Bankruptcy Lawyer

Do I Need a Bankruptcy Lawyer?

If you are stricken with debt and are currently deciding if filing a bankruptcy petition is the appropriate measure, you must contact a bankruptcy lawyer immediately. Contacting a bankruptcy lawyer provides with valuable information to illuminate your decision; you should not engage in a bankruptcy filing until you first speak with a bankruptcy lawyer about your potential case. This article will focus on consumer bankruptcy filings only.

Filing for bankruptcy should be a last resort option for anyone that is consumed with debt. It is crucial that prior to filing for bankruptcy that you have exhausted all of your options. You must look at all angles to alleviate your debt because a bankruptcy filing will stay on your credit report for 7-10 years, depending on which chapter you file under. Because of the effect on your credit rating, securing a loan or financing after bankruptcy is exceedingly difficult—you will need to rebuild your credit for at least 2 years before securing any sort of financing.
Because of the negative externalities associated with a bankruptcy filing, it is essential to go over your financial options with a bankruptcy lawyer. These legal professionals will illuminate your options and evaluate your specific claim to suggest the most suitable maneuver and the most efficient chapter to file under if necessary.
In addition to suggesting an efficient route, a bankruptcy lawyer will also engage in negotiations with your creditors and the court systems to ensure that your debts will be eliminated. Bankruptcy lawyers are experienced professionals who are well-versed in the U.S.’s complex bankruptcy laws. These individuals are adept in filing petitions and adhering to the procedures necessary for streamlining the filing.

Massachusetts Bankruptcy Lawyers:

If you are a resident of Massachusetts and are looking to file for bankruptcy you must contact a Massachusetts Bankruptcy Lawyer immediately. Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in the state’s bankruptcy law and the specific filing requirements, instituted by the state’s 3 bankruptcy divisions.

A Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyer is well-versed in the state’s filing requirements and the time constraints employed by the local court systems.

Massachusetts has three operating bankruptcy courts: an eastern, central and western division. The Eastern Division has three judges: Chief Judge Frank bailey, Judge William Hillman and Judge Joan Feeney. The Central Division utilizes two judges: Judge Henry Boroff and Judge Melvin Hoffman. And lastly, the Western Division has one presiding judge: Judge Henry Boroff.

Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyers will file bankruptcy petitions in the state of Massachusetts; they are legally certified by the state’s BAR association to file petitions on behalf of their clients. That being said, bankruptcy laws are instituted by the Federal Government. The cases may be filed within the state, but the specific venue will be a federal court—the United States Federal Government maintains exclusive jurisdiction over bankruptcy filings. This means that a bankruptcy case cannot be filed in a state court system.

Although bankruptcy petitions are filed in federal court systems, a Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyer is required if you are filing for relief in the state of Massachusetts. These professionals are required because they are the only group of legal representatives in the state who possess an expert knowledge for filing bankruptcy petitions.

Finding a Massachusetts Bankruptcy Lawyer:

The majority of Massachusetts Bankruptcy Lawyers are located in the following cities: Acton, Andover, Auburn, Boston, Brockton, Cambridge, Danvers, Dracut, Fall River, Haverhill, Lakeville, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, New Bedford, North Andover, Peabody, Salem and Stoneham.

To locate a Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyer in your area you must utilize all resources, specifically the Internet and referral services. Given its efficiency, the Internet should be the first resource utilized to evaluate and locate Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyers in your area. Perform Google searches or visit legal websites to pinpoint all the licensed Massachusetts lawyers in your area. In addition to performing informal Internet searches, you should also visit Massachusetts’s Bar Association website to attain a list of all licensed Massachusetts Bankruptcy lawyers in your area. The process of finding a Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyer is arduous and stressful; that being said, you must maintain focus and only contact those individuals who are licensed and in good standing with the state’s Bar association.

The majority of suitable Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyers will be listed online. When you have found a number of Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyers in your area you should visit their websites and view their biographical information. The attorney’s profile will illuminate their specific skill set, their past clients and the professionalism with which they engage in litigation.

Once you have reviewed the professional’s biographical information you should contact them via telephone to discuss your specific case. The majority of Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyers will offer free consultations to assess your case. These preliminary meetings are essential; once a Massachusetts hears the specifics of your case they will render a decision regarding their willingness to proceed with a bankruptcy filing.

When you consult with a Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyer it is essential to be knowledgeable and well prepared. You must elucidate on your finances; no information connected to your impending petition can be neglected. The exchange of information is vital, for it will enable the Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyer to inspect the need for a filing and the type of petition to be filed.

What to Look For in a Massachusetts Bankruptcy Lawyer:

When evaluating Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyers you must take note of their personality and their experience. You want a personable and experienced Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyer representing you. Because the information exchanged is sensitive, you must secure a legal professional whom you feel comfortable with. Furthermore, because the case will invariably be complex, you must secure legal help that is experienced and knowledgeable with bankruptcy code.

The fees associated with a Massachusetts bankruptcy lawyer will depend on a few variables, including the individual’s experience, their reputation, the complexity of your case, the amount of debts you have incurred, the lawyer’s workload and your location. That being said, the majority of Massachusetts Bankruptcy Lawyers will operate under a contingency or flat-fee basis.