Where Can I Look For Chapter 7 Rules, Regulations, and Information?

Though we tend to think of the internet as the authority on everything, the truth is that the world wide web is full of misinformation. Whether it is a random person answering legal questions on search engine forums or a Wikipedia entry made up of many different entries, not every source can be trusted. So, when you are looking for the best Chapter 7 bankruptcy information, where do you start?

A good rule of thumb is to look at the creator of the website. Court websites are verified by their ".gov" web addresses. If you are a St. Louis resident, search first for the Eastern District of Missouri court site. You can also contact a local office of the U.S. Trustee's information that can provide reliable information.

Who else can you expect to receive good information from? What about St. Louis bankruptcy attorney websites? Now that you've gotten an idea of where to start, there are a few other things you'll want to avoid as you continue your journey for knowledge. First, many St. Louis law offices don't have a plethora of information available to any visitor of their website. You'll want to look for a bankruptcy lawyer who has listed articles, blogs, bankruptcy FAQ, news and, perhaps, even free publications to help you on your quest for Chapter 7 knowledge.

The second issue is that just because a website exists doesn't mean the creator is an expert in the area. Any attorney could say that they are a great bankruptcy lawyer without having the experience to back it up. Any attorney can claim that they specialize in any area.

"The proof," as my mom used to say, "is in the pudding."

What do I mean by that? There are certain factors in an attorney's website that can usually prove that he or she has had the right experience to handle a successful Chapter 7 bankruptcy case. Look for client testimonials, case results, and biographies that indicate membership in bankruptcy associations or bar associations to indicate an experienced attorney.

If you are looking for Chapter 7 bankruptcy information in order to file by yourself, be careful. Websites that offer downloadable Chapter 7 forms or a "how to" guide on filing bankruptcy could misguide you on the process and cost you your discharge.

And, lastly, avoid misinformation. Do you really want to let your financial future hang on a Wikipedia entry or an answer on Yahoo! Answers? Probably not.

Don't forget, being critical of information you find is not only acceptable, it's encouraged.