How best to select legal counsel?

You may call up the biggest, most advertised law firm, schedule an appointment and meet a. . . clerk. The clerk's "legal" advice is to petition for bankruptcy and she'll sign you up and charge you considerable "attorney fees," though you haven't met an attorney.

Or you may seek the individual counsel of the attorney whose name is actually up there on the shingle. You may seek detailed attorney consultation before you sign and before you pay. You may seek the attorney who will personally respond and reassure from start to finish.

The right attorney will carefully assess your case and recommend what actions to take and avoid whether or not they take your case. Know that time is of the essence, however that does not mean one should act in haste. Sometimes, one should file for bankruptcy immediately, before losses are sustained. Other times, it is best to postpone it. Still other times, it is not a worthwhile option at all.

The right attorney will advise you as to the urgency of your financial state. He will encourage you to take stock and to take the time you need to think about it. If you want to mull it over and come back later, then you need to do that. A free initial consultation does not have to be a single consultation. The right attorney will not let you reach for your checkbook if you are not confident in and comfortable with your choice. It's your life, but it's not now or never.

The right attorney will advise you as to timing, however you should not delay in seeking counsel. Your present actions may end up limiting your options later.