Most Dallas bankruptcy lawyers are very busy these days. Especially when measured year to date. Dallas bankruptcy lawyers report that their waiting rooms are full and that the results of the Great Recession are clearly evident. Dallas bankruptcy lawyers are doing their best to work with debtors and creditors to help to stabilize the economy.

Many people who find themselves in economic trouble are surprised that they got there. Up until shortly before they found themselves in lawyers office they were paying all the bills on time. Then maybe a job was lost, or a medical problem caused unexpected expenses or your credit cards increased their minimum payments, and then all the rules have changed.

It’s not hard to determine if you are in economic distress. But many people wait until it is too late before taking any correcting action. Like anything else, a bit of prevention is a good thing. Don’t wait until the ship sinks.

Make some plans!

Even if you know that you will have to see a lawyer to reorganize your finances, make a plan that has your goals and desires in mind. This will help you to ask the right questions to your lawyer.

Your lawyer may advise you to make a consumer bankruptcy filing, either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, and work through the courts to settle debts. Or, a more conservative approach might work, such as reducing spending, getting an additional job, or selling some assets.

Finding a lawyer is not hard. Ask your family and friends if they have used a lawyer to help them in their finances. Chances are some have. Having money troubles, after all, is not something you want to brag about.

If your family and friends have been lucky or smart — or both–then go to the internet and seek out either individual lawyer sites or the bar association.

Be your own best advocate, listen to your lawyer, and then look at the situation of economic reorganization as the chance to have a cleaner slate and a better chance at a stable future.