What is the name of your state?CA
We filed pro se in Oct of 2005. We are filing a motion for contempt on one of the creditors, but are thinking we need a qualified attorney (not just the many that show up at the 341 - I had to sit in on three 341 meetings, and I didn't see one attorney who didn't fumble, not one) who might work on a contingency basis. We are just thinking that we may be in over our heads in the hearing department, since we are pretty sure the creditor will have representation.
The case is pretty solid, all the paperwork is done (by us), and we have read as many judgments as we can on at least our circuit regarding anything that mentions violations of automatic stay, and have read judgments in other circuits as well, so we are fairly confident of having a good case.
It's the part about asking for punitive/emotional damages that gets us stuck. We don't know what's 'reasonable' - how do you put a price on 'almost coming to divorce' over the stress this creditor caused during the bankruptcy? Or 'nearly made my disabled son lose his health insurance' because I had to hire counsel in another state to represent me on frivolous matter caused by creditor (by the way, now he wants to drop the other matter 'cause he is scared of the motion for contempt we are filing - thinks quid pro quo, but I'm not thinking that).
So that's why I need help in finding an attorney - besides making phone calls to people in the phone book, are there 'specialists' in bankruptcy motions, those that stand before the judge and present the case? I've looked on this website here for the 'find lawyers' and it does say 'premium bankrupcy attorneys' in the search results, but what the heck does that really mean.
Any advice on the damages issue (do I actually put the dollar amount in the motion for contempt) and how to find someone qualified in hearings is appreciated.
Thanks.
We filed pro se in Oct of 2005. We are filing a motion for contempt on one of the creditors, but are thinking we need a qualified attorney (not just the many that show up at the 341 - I had to sit in on three 341 meetings, and I didn't see one attorney who didn't fumble, not one) who might work on a contingency basis. We are just thinking that we may be in over our heads in the hearing department, since we are pretty sure the creditor will have representation.
The case is pretty solid, all the paperwork is done (by us), and we have read as many judgments as we can on at least our circuit regarding anything that mentions violations of automatic stay, and have read judgments in other circuits as well, so we are fairly confident of having a good case.
It's the part about asking for punitive/emotional damages that gets us stuck. We don't know what's 'reasonable' - how do you put a price on 'almost coming to divorce' over the stress this creditor caused during the bankruptcy? Or 'nearly made my disabled son lose his health insurance' because I had to hire counsel in another state to represent me on frivolous matter caused by creditor (by the way, now he wants to drop the other matter 'cause he is scared of the motion for contempt we are filing - thinks quid pro quo, but I'm not thinking that).
So that's why I need help in finding an attorney - besides making phone calls to people in the phone book, are there 'specialists' in bankruptcy motions, those that stand before the judge and present the case? I've looked on this website here for the 'find lawyers' and it does say 'premium bankrupcy attorneys' in the search results, but what the heck does that really mean.
Any advice on the damages issue (do I actually put the dollar amount in the motion for contempt) and how to find someone qualified in hearings is appreciated.
Thanks.