Just about everyone would agree that being in debt is a stressful enough situation without having to bare your soul to someone that you do not know. Unfortunately, that is exactly what you have to do during your initial bankruptcy consultation in order for it to be productive. While most lawyers have their own way of doing things, the general practice behind consultations is always the same.
When you meet with a law firm such as Sean C. Paul for the first time it is known as a consultation. Most initial consultations are free. The point of the consultation is for you to get to know the lawyer; the lawyer to get to know you; and your situation to be discussed. You will usually start by filling out some forms so the lawyer can acquire basic information about who you are and what your situation is. These forms are extremely important when determining whether or not you quality for bankruptcy.
You should avoid doing business with a law firm that is not willing to let you meet with an actual lawyer for your initial bankruptcy consultation. While it is not uncommon for some law firms to have you meet with a case processor or paralegal, you should also get the opportunity to meet with the lawyer. It is the only way for you to decide whether or not you are comfortable hiring them. Furthermore, paralegals and case processors are not allowed to give you legal advice about anything which makes the entire consultation with them unproductive.
If you are going to meet with a bankruptcy lawyer and set things in motion to file bankruptcy, you need to stop and take a hard look at yourself first. Do you plan on making changes to your life so do you do not find yourself back in the same boat? It is not going to do you any good to file bankruptcy if you are going to rush right back out and max as many credit cards as you can before you get cut off. Filing bankruptcy should be about giving yourself a fresh start to do the right thing and take better care of your financial situation.