ABA Family Legal Guide

Consumer Bankruptcy

Introduction to Bankruptcy

Working with a Lawyer

I think I need to file for bankruptcy. How should I find a lawyer to help?

There are a number of ways, but you should generally follow the recommendations for finding a good lawyer outlined in Chapter 1, "When and How to Use a Lawyer."

• Contact the American Board of Certification, which certifies lawyers specializing in bankruptcy. Some states certify lawyers as bankruptcy specialists when they have significant experience in the field.
• Ask a lawyer who you know to recommend a specialist. Suggestions from a friend, a relative, a neighbor, or an associate who has had a good experience with a particular lawyer also may help.
• Bar associations and groups for people with special needs, such as the elderly or persons with disabilities, often provide free referral services.
• Finding a bankruptcy lawyer online or by looking in the yellow pages of your telephone directory or advertisements in your local newspaper can be risky. Be sure to check the lawyer's references.