By John Arthur 
Facing bankruptcy can feel like standing in a locked room with no doors. You may fear losing your home, your car, or the last bit of peace you have left. That is why choosing the right lawyer matters. You need someone who understands money stress, protects your rights, and speaks plain truth about your options. Not every lawyer fits every person. Your income, debts, property, and family needs shape which lawyer will work best for you. This guide walks you through how to judge experience, fees, and communication so you do not feel pushed or misled. It also explains when a focused practice like the Law Office of Corey L. Mills may meet your needs. By the end, you will know what questions to ask, what warning signs to watch for, and how to choose a lawyer who stands firmly on your side.
Understand your bankruptcy options first
You do not need to know every law. You do need to know your basic choices. That helps you find a lawyer who handles your type of case every day.
Most people file one of three types of cases:
- Chapter 7. You wipe out many unsecured debts. You may give up some property that is not protected.
- Chapter 13. You set up a payment plan that lasts three to five years. You keep property if you follow the plan.
- Chapter 11 (small business cases). You reorganize business debts. You keep the business open while you work through a plan.
You can read a plain guide from the United States Courts at https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-basics.
Once you know which chapter fits your situation, you can search for lawyers who focus on that type of case.
What to look for in a bankruptcy lawyer
You want a lawyer who does three things well. The lawyer explains your choices. The lawyer handles the court steps on time. The lawyer speaks with you with respect.
When you meet with a lawyer, look for these signs:
- Clear focus. The lawyer handles bankruptcy cases often, not once in a while.
- Local experience. The lawyer knows your local court and trustees.
- Honest advice. The lawyer tells you what you may lose and what you may keep.
- Real listening. The lawyer asks about your work, family, and health, not only numbers.
- Written plan. The lawyer explains next steps in writing so you can review at home.
You can check a lawyer’s standing with your state bar. Many state bar sites list discipline history and license status. For example, you can learn how to use lawyer directories at https://www.usa.gov/legal-aid.
Questions to ask before you sign
Prepare questions before your first meeting. Bring them on paper. Stress can cloud memory.
You can ask:
- How many Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases did you handle last year
- Who will work on my case each day
- How will we share documents and updates
- What problems do you see in my situation
- What outcomes can you not promise
- What will this cost from start to finish
Pay attention to the answers. Short clear answers show respect. Long confusing answers can hide risk.
Comparing fee structures and services
Bankruptcy brings money fear. So fee clarity matters. Different lawyers use different fee setups.
| Feature | Chapter 7 Lawyer | Chapter 13 Lawyer |
|---|---|---|
| Typical fee timing | Most or all paid before filing | Part paid before filing, rest in plan |
| Payment flexibility | Often limited payment plans | Often built into monthly plan |
| Work included | Petition, one meeting, basic motions | Petition, plan, hearings, plan changes |
| Risk of extra costs | Amendments or lawsuits may cost more | Plan changes or extra hearings may cost more |
| Best fit for | Low income, few assets, high unsecured debt | Regular income, home or car you want to keep |
Ask for a written fee agreement. Read every line. Ask what is not covered. That includes extra hearings, creditor lawsuits, or appeals.
Signs a lawyer may not fit your needs
Some warning signs point to trouble. Trust your gut when you see them.
- Pressure to sign the same day without time to think
- Promises of a certain result such as “you will keep everything”
- No clear written fee agreement
- Staff who speak for the lawyer every time you call
- Office that will not share who will attend your court meeting
One warning sign alone may not end the choice. Several together show you should keep looking.
Why a focused practice can help
A practice that centers on bankruptcy often brings sharper skill. The office knows forms, trustees, and common traps. That can protect your home and wages.
A focused practice such as the Law Office of Corey L. Mills may offer:
- Regular contact with the same lawyer
- Step by step guidance through credit counseling and paperwork
- Careful review of past payments to family or creditors that may cause problems
You still need to ask hard questions. A known name does not replace your own judgment.
Preparing for your first meeting
You can make the first meeting count. Bring three things. Bring papers. Bring a list of questions. Bring someone you trust if you feel nervous.
Gather:
- Recent pay stubs or proof of income
- Last two tax returns
- List of all debts with amounts and creditor names
- List of what you own, such as home, car, savings, and retirement accounts
- Any lawsuits, wage garnishments, or collection letters
These records help the lawyer give real advice, not guesses.
Moving forward with a clear choice
Bankruptcy is not a personal failure. It is a legal tool that resets your life. The right lawyer treats you with respect and speaks with plain truth.
When you find someone who explains your options, answers questions, and offers a clear written plan, you can move from panic to steady control. You do not have to face this storm alone. With care and careful choice, you can protect your family and start again with fewer burdens.