If you are considering a bankruptcy, your first move should be to find the right Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Lawyer for you. With so many attorneys offering bankruptcy services, it's important to look for the following five qualities:

1. Free Consultation
   Attorneys helping people out with their financial problems will often offer a free consultation. However, don't go into a free consultation expecting the attorney will offer free legal advice and counsel. Rather, use this opportunity to assess whether the attorney meets the following requirements.
2. Ample Experience
   When dealing with your financial future, you want to work with a Bankruptcy Attorney who has already successfully worked on cases similar to your own. It's encouraged that you ask your prospective attorney about his or her experience, including how many times they've previously filed Chapter 13 Bankruptcy cases. Bankruptcy is a complex process dealing with a myriad of forms and procedures. A single misstep could jeopardize your case.
3. Detailed Oriented
   In addition to experience, the attorney you choose should have an eye for detail. Details are important and an attorney who has a reputation for being meticulous is a good way to ensure you have the right representation. Upon your first meeting with a Bankruptcy Attorney, check to see whether he or she is organized. Does the staff treat you well? Are you kept waiting for a long period of time before your meeting? Is the attorney's office generally free of clutter? Does the attorney appear to use his or her computer with elevated proficiency? These details can make a big difference towards your overall level of satisfaction with your representation.
4. Up To Date Legal Knowledge
   This requirement is a deal killer if not met. Your prospective Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney must possess up to date bankruptcy legal knowledge. Rules and laws applicable to this specialized field change frequently, and if an attorney fails to keep up, he or she risks a poor outcome in your case. Make sure to ask how many Chapter 13 Bankruptcy cases the attorney has handled in the last 12 months. If you're not satisfied with the answer, leave the office and seek alternative representation.
5. Personality
   Basically, you need to be able to get along with your attorney. Dealing with financial problems is stressful and you need an attorney who you are able to communicate with and who you feel understands your needs. One of the biggest complaints consumers have regarding legal representation is a lack of communication. During your initial consultation it's OK to ask for references and client testimonials. This is the time to judge whether this attorney is right for you.

So if you are considering filing for bankruptcy and don't know which route to take, here are the top 5 reasons to hire a bankruptcy attorney:

1. Bankruptcy Laws are Complicated
   The rules of bankruptcy are varied and complex and knowing the filing timeframe, courtroom procedures, and familiarity with the filing process and bankruptcy rules should be handled by a competent bankruptcy attorney.
2. Choosing the Appropriate Bankruptcy Chapter Filing
   Depending on the specifics of your case, which bankruptcy filing is best for your case will require an experienced attorney to explain which personal chapter filing is most appropriate, or even legal. Click to read the difference between a Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.
3. Stop Harassing Creditors
   Creditors will stop the harassing calls to you once you hire an attorney. Failure to stop the calls once you've hired an attorney violates the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
4. Mistakes are Avoided
   A wrong filing can lead to a case being dismissed and risking an opportunity to file for any kind of bankruptcy. Attaining the appropriate bankruptcy attorney can save you time, money, and avoid any issues from harming your case.
5. Protection from the Uncertainty of Bankruptcy
   Attorneys will inform you which rights you're entitled to, and help you identify your options.