A lawyer can help you prepare the bankruptcy forms, attend the meetings with creditors and serve as your advocate with the judge, trustee and creditors.

Your lawyer can help you deal with your creditors before, during and after bankruptcy proceedings, laws that prohibit creditors from harassing you to collect money protect you. Bill collectors may not contact you at unreasonable times at home, and they may not contact you at work if they know that your employer disapproves. If you have a lawyer, bill collectors may only contact your lawyer.

During bankruptcy proceedings, you will receive additional protection from bill collectors. At the beginning of the proceedings, the court will order your creditors to stop their collection activities, including lawsuits, wage garnishments, repossessions and telephone calls demanding payment. It is unlawful for your employer to fire you for seeking bankruptcy protection.

After the bankruptcy proceedings have been completed. You must take care when dealing with creditors. Some creditors may try to collect debts that were discharged by the bankruptcy proceedings.

These creditors may ask you to renew the debt by signing an agreement to pay it. Consult your lawyer when creditors contact you so that you do not inadvertently obligate yourself to pay an old bill that was discharged by your bankruptcy proceedings.