All too often we look for the rock bottom price when the better value is in fact going with a good product. In terms of bankruptcy law, especially in the state of Georgia, price is relative in terms of what  an experienced lawyer can do for you. Would you want to cut your fee for having an operation in half by choosing the cheaper doctor? It’s not nearly as drastic, but it makes the point that you pay for many things beyond filling out paperwork when it comes to bankruptcy. And what are you really paying for? Let’s find out.

Education
Your lawyer should have the education needed to not only handle your case but to successfully navigate the laws. Just as privates in the army know less than generals, some lawyers know more than others. You cannot always tell this by education; experience is important too. But education is where lawyers prove themselves in the beginning.

Experience
You pay for value when you hire a lawyer, and the best value you can get is with experience. Experience in and out of court saves you a lot of legal hassle, time, and money. If you are choosing between a Georgia bankruptcy lawyer with 1 year court experience and one with 10 years experience, is there really that big of a divide? Yes. Bankruptcy is a very complex process. You never stop learning as a lawyer. The more in court experience your lawyer has, the more cases where debts were successfully discharged and assets protected, the better. Since bankruptcy code changes constantly, especially in terms of eligibility, you need someone who can adapt, not someone learning on the job.

Availability
You can get a lawyer for low fees, then you’ll see why he or she charges so little: they spend a fraction of the time on your actual case, they take on a huge load so they can bring in the same pay. Time is very important. You want a lawyer capable of handling the time involved in filing paperwork, handling creditors, and helping you get a fresh start.

Communication
Good communicators in the legal world are invaluable. They can save you a lot of time and headaches. Let’s face it: some lawyers only care about the paycheck, not helping you. You likely will have many questions when it comes to Georgia bankruptcy. Will you be eligible for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy? What debts can be discharged? How much will it cost? How long will it take? No two bankruptcies are exactly alike, making communication skills and friendliness important when hiring your lawyer.

Legal Guidance
Few who are not bankruptcy lawyers can file by themselves. You can technically file by yourself, but the legal guidance can be invaluable. You may not know of things like home exemptions or ways to stop wage garnishments. It’s your lawyer’s job to walk you through steps like these.

Saving Money
There are many more points beyond money when hiring a Georgia bankruptcy lawyer, but, oddly enough, how much they save you may be the biggest. You don’t file bankruptcy because you have a lot of money coming in; you file to save money. And if you can discharge $50,000 in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or buy much needed time with a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it’s more than worth it. A lawyer saves you money? Yes, the best ones do.