Bankruptcy: Where to Begin?
The bankruptcy process begins by making an appointment for a consultation with an attorney to go over your financial picture. Most bankruptcy attorneys will not charge you for this consultation and there are no strings attached. Many will mistakenly base their decision on what they believe to be the cost of a bankruptcy. As a result, some attorneys will advertise bargain prices to lure clients in. Generally under these circumstances, one of two things will happen:
- You do not get the service and attention you expected.
- You realize that there were several hidden fees and costs that you were not informed of, and thus the cost was much higher than you were told.
The firms that have truly low costs have those costs for a reason. You will often meet with an attorney at your initial consultation but then not be able to speak or meet with the attorney again until you are in court in front of the trustee who is asking you questions. The attorney's staff will prepare your case and be responsible for handling most, if not all, of your questions. Generally, the attorney will review the work of his or her staff prior to filing your case. But often, in order to stay in business, these firms must file a high number of cases and your case may not get nearly the attention that you would expect for such an important matter for you and your family. As a result, you may find that things are not necessarily as you expected and may be left with more questions than answers. Worse, you may find out that your creditors have continued to call, and a debt you thought was discharged wasn't.
The other type of firm has a low price, but most do not qualify for it. At this type of firm you will often find that there are a number of hidden costs. Generally these firms will add hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars to file your case because you:
- Are married and the discount price only applied to single individuals
- Want to keep your car and need to enter the reaffirmation agreement required under the Bankruptcy Code
- Want to keep your home and need to enter the reaffirmation agreement required under the Bankruptcy Code
- Want to redeem furniture, appliances, or a car
- Have a lien on your home
- Have to miss your court date
- Have a high amount of creditors
In addition to these hidden fees, you will have to pay for court costs and the courses that you are required to take under the Bankruptcy Code. When all is said and done, you may find that you paid double — or even triple — what you expected and your case did not get the attention it deserved.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO LOSE EVERYTHING!
Buckrop & VanDeVelde is a small family debt relief law firm. Our office is located in downtown Rock Island — a short distance from the federal courthouses of both the Southern District of Iowa and the Central District of Illinois. We have two attorneys, Bruce Buckrop & John VanDeVelde, and you can choose to meet with either of them. Our attorneys correspond with clients regularly by phone, e-mail and post to ensure they do not enter bankruptcy with any unanswered questions, concerns or misconceptions about the process and what to expect. Our friendly and professional staff are always available to assist you, as well. Our goal is to make sure you make it through your bankruptcy efficiently and without any surprises along the way. At Buckrop & VanDeVelde, we do not utilize any hidden fees or costs so you can be assured that the price we quote is the price you will pay!
If you are a resident of Western Illinois or Eastern Iowa and are wondering whether bankruptcy is the right option for you and your family, talk to an attorney at Buckrop & VanDeVelde in Rock Island. We will answer all of your questions at a free initial consultation and show you how the U.S. Bankruptcy Code can help you.
Learn More About Your Bankruptcy Options
Why Experience Matters
Although you may have an attorney handling your bankruptcy petition, you are ultimately responsible for what you submit to the court. Bankruptcy is a complex legal process and having an experienced attorney ensures that you will get the debt relief you deserve without any complications. It also ensures that you will not lose anything that you were entitled to keep. Bankruptcy law changes daily because the law is interpreted by judges and therefore it is important that you have an attorney who keeps up with all the changes. The attorneys at our firm have a combined 37 years of experience, attend two bankruptcy conferences annually, receive several periodicals on bankruptcy and consumer protection law, and utilize a powerful research system allowing them access to every case nationwide in order to better serve you and protect your interests.
Take the First Step Toward a Future Free From the Heavy Burden of Debt
Bankruptcy is not the perfect solution for everyone but it may be for you. The first step is to schedule an appointment with one of our bankruptcy lawyers to discuss your financial picture. You will not be charged at your initial consult and should you choose not to file for bankruptcy protection you will have no obligation arising from it. We will ask that you bring a few items with you in order to assist the attorney in evaluating your situation. Go to our initial consultation page for a full list of information and documents you should try to bring along when you meet with one of our lawyers. Remember, the more information we have regarding your financial picture the better we will be able to advise you.
Experienced and Friendly Rock Island, Davenport, Moline, Bettendorf, East Moline, Muscatine, and Clinton Chapter 7 and 13 Lawyers
Our office is located in The Law Centre in downtown Rock Island, Illinois, just a short distance from both Iowa and Illinois federal courthouses. Our professional attorneys and staff proudly serve most clients throughout Western Illinois and Eastern Iowa. Call us toll free at 800-627-5704 or contact us by e-mail to arrange a consultation with an experienced Davenport bankruptcy lawyer today. If you are outside the area we serve we often can refer you to another firm like ours who will be able to assist you!
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
