Questions to Ask When Calling an Attorney for Bankruptcy Help

Making the first phone call to a bankruptcy attorney is one of the hardest steps. You might feel embarrassed, overwhelmed, or unsure about what to say. This is completely normal. Every client we have ever worked with felt some version of those emotions before their first consultation.

Knowing what to ask during that initial call or meeting can make the experience less stressful and more productive. It can also help you determine whether the attorney you are speaking with is the right fit for your situation. Not all bankruptcy attorneys are the same, and the quality of legal representation you receive matters.

Questions About the Attorney's Experience

1. How long have you been practicing bankruptcy law?

Bankruptcy is a specialized area of law with its own rules, procedures, and local practices. An attorney who primarily handles personal injury cases but occasionally takes a bankruptcy case is very different from one whose practice is focused on bankruptcy. You want someone who works with bankruptcy cases regularly and understands the nuances of the Western District of Pennsylvania's local rules and trustee expectations.

A good answer includes specific experience with the type of bankruptcy you may need, whether that is Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or both.

2. How many bankruptcy cases have you handled?

Volume matters in bankruptcy practice because experience with a high number of cases means the attorney has encountered a wide range of financial situations. They have likely dealt with complications similar to whatever unique aspects your case may involve. An attorney who has handled hundreds or thousands of cases brings a depth of practical knowledge that simply cannot be replicated.

3. Will you personally handle my case, or will it be delegated to a paralegal or associate?

In larger firms, the attorney you meet during the consultation may not be the person who prepares your petition or accompanies you to the meeting of creditors. There is nothing inherently wrong with delegation, but you should know what to expect. You deserve to know who will be handling the critical aspects of your case.

Questions About Your Specific Situation

4. Based on what I have told you, which chapter of bankruptcy would be best for my situation?

A knowledgeable attorney should be able to give you a preliminary assessment after hearing about your income, debts, and assets. They should explain why they recommend Chapter 7 over Chapter 13 or vice versa, and they should explain the key differences in a way that makes sense to you.

Be cautious of any attorney who recommends a specific chapter without asking detailed questions about your finances first. The right recommendation depends on your specific circumstances.

5. Are there any potential problems or complications you see with my case?

Every case has its own considerations. Maybe you transferred property recently. Maybe your income is close to the means test threshold. Maybe you own a business or have unusual assets. A good attorney will identify potential issues early and explain how they would handle them.

An attorney who says "everything looks straightforward" without digging into the details may not be thorough enough to handle complications if they arise.

6. Will I be able to keep my house and car?

This is usually the first concern for anyone with secured debt. The answer depends on whether you are current on payments, the equity in your property, and which exemptions apply. Your attorney should explain the specific analysis for your situation rather than giving a generic answer.

Questions About Fees and Process

7. What are your total fees, and what is included?

Bankruptcy attorney fees in the Pittsburgh area vary. For a Chapter 7 case, fees typically range from $1,000 to $2,000, plus the court filing fee. For Chapter 13, fees are higher and are usually paid through the repayment plan. Ask for a clear breakdown of what the fee includes: petition preparation, attendance at the meeting of creditors, dealing with creditors, and handling any motions that arise.

Also ask about payment plans. Many bankruptcy attorneys allow you to pay their fees in installments before the case is filed. This is standard practice and nothing to be embarrassed about asking.

8. What is the timeline for my case from start to finish?

A typical Chapter 7 case from filing to discharge takes approximately three to four months. Chapter 13 cases involve a repayment plan that lasts three to five years. Your attorney should give you a realistic timeline and explain each step along the way.

9. What documents and information will you need from me?

Preparing a bankruptcy petition requires extensive financial documentation: tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, vehicle titles, mortgage statements, credit card statements, and more. A well-organized attorney will provide you with a checklist early in the process. Ask about this during your initial consultation so you can start gathering documents.

Questions About Alternatives

10. Are there alternatives to bankruptcy that might work better for me?

A trustworthy attorney will honestly evaluate whether bankruptcy is the best option for your situation. Sometimes debt consolidation, negotiation with creditors, or other approaches may be more appropriate. If an attorney recommends bankruptcy without discussing alternatives, or if they seem to push you toward filing before fully understanding your situation, consider getting a second opinion.

The attorney selection process is important because you will be sharing deeply personal financial information with this person. You need to trust their judgment and feel comfortable asking questions throughout the process.

Red Flags to Watch For

As you speak with bankruptcy attorneys, be aware of these warning signs:

• Guaranteeing a specific outcome. No attorney can guarantee that all your debts will be discharged or that your case will proceed without complications. If someone promises you a specific result before reviewing your case thoroughly, be skeptical.
• Pressuring you to file immediately. Unless you face an imminent garnishment, foreclosure sale, or repossession, there is usually time to make a considered decision. An attorney who creates artificial urgency may be more interested in their fee than your best interests.
• Avoiding your questions. If an attorney cannot or will not answer your questions clearly, that is a significant concern. You deserve to understand what is happening with your case at every stage.
• Hidden fees or vague pricing. The total cost should be disclosed upfront. Ask about potential additional fees for motions, amendments, or other services that might be needed.
• No in-person meeting. While initial phone consultations are common, your attorney should meet with you in person (or via secure video conference) before filing. The petition requires detailed, accurate information that is best gathered through a thorough face-to-face interview.

What You Should Bring to the Consultation

To make the most of your first meeting, bring as much of the following as you can:

• A list of all your debts with approximate balances and creditor names
• Your most recent pay stubs (at least two months' worth)
• Your most recent tax return
• A list of your major assets (home, vehicles, retirement accounts)
• Any collection letters, lawsuit papers, or garnishment notices you have received

Having this information available allows the attorney to give you more specific and useful advice during the consultation.

Taking the Next Step

Calling a bankruptcy attorney does not commit you to anything. It is an information-gathering step that puts you in control of your financial situation rather than letting debt control you. The right attorney will make you feel informed and respected, not judged or pressured.

At Bryan P. Keenan & Associates, our initial consultations are free, and we welcome all of the questions listed above along with any others you may have. We believe that informed clients make better decisions, and our goal is to help you understand every option available.