Bankruptcy is not a simple procedure. It is extremely complicated and having an attorney on your side can help to make everything run smoothly and efficiently.

First: The bankruptcy attorney will talk to you about your situation, finances, assets and debts. This is to determine whether bankruptcy truly is the right option for you. This is also done to establish what the bankruptcy attorney needs to do in order to help your bankruptcy case.

Second: He or she will determine which of your debts might or might not be discharged. If you have any property
that cannot be protected by going through some pre-bankruptcy planning such as protection of certain assets, listing items you may have tried to “hide” or filing a homestead exemption.

Third: They will prepare and file the bankruptcy petition along with any needed documentation along with it.

Fourth: They will attend the meeting of creditors with you to ensure that the creditors are practicing legal and fair negotiations.

Fifth: They will take care of any necessary matters that are needed to protect you fully and legally prior to the final discharge. This may include any liens that are on your home, any claims of fraud by a creditor or amending any schedules due to omissions or errors.