If you have experienced a job loss either through downsizing or maybe due to a health condition, it can be very difficult to pay your bills. This could lead to getting behind and into serious debt. For some people, the debt is so serious they consider declaring bankruptcy so they can get a fresh start in their financial life without the threat of creditors.

Bankruptcy should always be a last resort when in financial straits, but you shouldn't go it alone. It's a good idea to hire a bankruptcy attorney to help you through the process. Here are the top reasons why you should hire a bankruptcy lawyer if you are in debt and considering bankruptcy.

A Lawyer Helps Your Chances Of Clearing Your Debt

Some people believe that they need to go through bankruptcy alone with no legal help either because they can't afford to hire a lawyer or because they think the process is fairly straightforward. This isn't always the case. The bankruptcy process could end up being more difficult and complicated than you might think depending on how many assets you own.

A bankruptcy attorney can actually help to increase your chances of clearing your debt successfully. You might not realize this, but often, if you decide to declare bankruptcy without any help from a lawyer, you might miss items that could be exempt or could be discharged. A bankruptcy attorney can ensure all eligible debts are cleared.

A Lawyer Can Help Decide If Bankruptcy Is The Right Choice

You might think that your only choice is to declare bankruptcy but that isn't always the case. In fact, there are a lot of other options besides bankruptcy that you should consider before you file for bankruptcy. This is where a bankruptcy attorney can help you.

A bankruptcy attorney can work with you to sort through what debts you have and advise you on whether or not you could opt for debt consolidation or negotiating a payment plan instead of choosing bankruptcy.

They can also help you choose which bankruptcy option is the best one for your situation. If bankruptcy is your only option, a lawyer can help you determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the right one for you.

They Understand The Laws And Rules Regarding Bankruptcy

Another reason why it's a good idea to hire a bankruptcy attorney is that they have a complete understanding of the laws and rules surrounding all types of bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is governed under federal laws, but each state also has its own court system that determines how those laws and rules are applied.

These rules can be too complicated for the average person to understand, which is why hiring a bankruptcy attorney is key to not making any mistakes and having all documents filed correctly.