Millions of Americans struggled to pay their rent or mortgage payments in 2020. Now that we’re over a year into the pandemic, not much has changed. Now, millions of landlords and loan providers are at wits end.
Are you at risk of getting foreclosed upon when pandemic protections end? Have you fallen behind on payments and know you won’t be able to catch up? If so, then it’s a good idea to consult with a foreclosure attorney in the Berkeley area before the inevitable happens.
How do you find a good lawyer who can give you solid advice? Let’s go over how you can learn how to vet a potential foreclosure attorney to ensure you hire the best one for your situation.
Proximity
In mid-2020, the ABA reported that there were 1.3 million practicing lawyers across the nation. How do you even begin to pick through all those options?
The first thing you’ll want to do to narrow down your search is to limit it by proximity, for example just to the area around Berkeley. You don’t want to hire a lawyer who lives in another state. It’s best to hire one that has experience with your local courtrooms.
Niche
Next, you need to ensure your lawyer has specific experience with foreclosure. While you might be familiar with criminal attorneys or personal injury attorneys you have seen on TV, the law is vaster than you might think. Hiring a personal injury lawyer won’t do you any good when you’re facing eviction notices.
Narrow your search parameters by searching for foreclosure attorneys in your city.
Quality
Once you’ve narrowed your search by proximity and niche, you’ll have a handful of options. From here, you’ll want to look at the quality of each lawyer or firm.
Start by checking out the firm’s website. Does the firm appear reputable and knowledgeable? If so, it’s time to browse the web for reviews and past results. Try to look for ones that are close to the area they serve in, such as in Berkeley. If you notice some red flags, then be sure to cross that attorney off your list.
Cost
You don’t face foreclosure situations when you’re swimming in money. That means the cost of legal services will likely play a major role in your decision.
Make sure you understand the lawyer’s fees and charges upfront before you decide.
Personality
If all the above factors check out, then it’s time to meet with your Berkeley area attorney one-on-one. Most offices will offer a free initial consultation so you can decide if they’re a good fit for you.
During this meeting, tell your lawyer about your current situation. Discern whether your lawyer seems invested and attentive. Above all, make sure you can communicate well with them.
Ready to Find Your Ideal Foreclosure Attorney in the Berkeley Area?
Your ideal foreclosure attorney will be affordable, close by, personable, and knowledgeable. You won’t need to convince a good attorney the reason you need help. Instead, they should feel motivated and passionate about helping you and your family.
At the Law Office of Jason W. Estavillo, we’re prepared to help protect your Berkeley area property and family. If you’re prepared to act, then we’ll have your back. Reach out to our office now to learn more about how we can help set you up for success.