What the NACBA is and why it matters for finding an attorney
The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) is a professional organization for lawyers who represent individuals and families in bankruptcy cases. When you search for a member attorney through the NACBA, you are looking at lawyers who have chosen to join this group and meet its membership standards.
The NACBA maintains a directory of member attorneys organized by state and practice area. This directory is public and searchable, which means you can find lawyers in your area without paying for a referral service or calling a general hotline. The organization also publishes educational materials about bankruptcy law, which can help you understand what different attorneys are talking about when you call them.
Membership in the NACBA does not mean a lawyer is better than non-members, but it does mean they have committed to staying current with bankruptcy law and following the organization's ethical standards. Many consumer bankruptcy attorneys are NACBA members, but not all of them are.
Key Takeaways
- The NACBA directory is searchable by state and lets you find member attorneys near you without paying for a referral.
- NACBA membership means an attorney has met professional standards and stays current with bankruptcy law changes, but non-member attorneys can be equally may have access to.
- You can call NACBA member attorneys directly to discuss your situation and ask about their fees, which vary widely depending on the type of bankruptcy and your location.
- The NACBA website includes educational guides about Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy that can help you prepare for your first conversation with an attorney.
How to search the NACBA directory for attorneys in your state
The NACBA website has a "Find an Attorney" tool on its homepage. You enter your state, and the directory shows you member attorneys listed by city or region. The listings typically include the attorney's name, firm name, phone number, and sometimes a website link.
The directory does not rank attorneys by rating or experience level — it is straightforward an alphabetical or geographic list. You will need to call several attorneys to compare their approach, fees, and availability. Most consumer bankruptcy attorneys offer a free initial consultation, which is your chance to ask questions and see whether you feel comfortable working with them.
If you live in a rural area or a state with few NACBA members, you may find only a handful of options. In that case, you can also search for non-member bankruptcy attorneys in your area through your state bar association's website, which maintains its own directory of all licensed attorneys.
What to expect when you call a NACBA member attorney
When you call, have your basic financial information ready: your income, your debts, your assets, and a rough idea of what you own. The attorney will ask questions to understand whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy makes sense for your situation, or whether bankruptcy is the right tool at all.
Ask the attorney directly about their fees. Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically costs between $1,000 and $3,500 in attorney fees, though this varies by region and the complexity of your case. Chapter 13 bankruptcy often costs less upfront because the attorney's fee is paid through your repayment plan over three to five years. Some attorneys offer payment plans for the initial fee.
The attorney should explain what they will do for you, what documents you will need to gather, and roughly how long the process takes. If they rush you off the phone or seem unwilling to answer basic questions, that is a signal to call someone else.
The difference between NACBA membership and other attorney credentials
NACBA membership is one credential, but there are others. Some attorneys hold a Board Certification in Consumer Bankruptcy from their state bar, which means they have passed an exam and met experience requirements specific to bankruptcy law. Not all NACBA members are board certified, and not all board certified attorneys are NACBA members.
You may also see attorneys advertise that they are "AV Rated" by Martindale-Hubbell, a legal directory. This rating reflects peer reviews and ethical standards, but it does not mean the attorney specializes in bankruptcy or has any particular informed in your situation.
The most important credential is straightforward that the attorney is licensed to practice in your state and has experience handling cases like yours. Ask how many bankruptcy cases they have handled and whether they focus mainly on Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or both.
What NACBA membership tells you about an attorney's commitment
NACBA members pay dues and attend continuing education on bankruptcy law. The organization publishes a code of ethics that members agree to follow, which includes being honest with clients about fees and the likely outcome of their case.
The NACBA also advocates for consumer rights in bankruptcy law at the federal level. If you are interested in understanding the broader context of your case — why certain rules exist, what Congress is debating about bankruptcy law — the NACBA website has educational resources that explain these topics in plain language.
That said, membership is voluntary. A skilled bankruptcy attorney who is not an NACBA member may be just as may have access to and ethical as one who is. The directory is useful because it narrows your search to a vetted group, but it should not be your only source for finding an attorney.
How to prepare before your first call to an attorney
Gather a list of your debts: credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, car loans, and any other money you owe. Write down the approximate balance on each one. Also list your assets: your home, car, bank accounts, and anything else of value. You do not need exact numbers, but rough figures help the attorney understand your situation quickly.
Write down your monthly income from all sources — wages, benefits, side work, anything regular. Have your most recent pay stubs or tax return available if you have them. The attorney will ask about these details during the consultation.
Think about what you hope to accomplish. Do you want to keep your house? Your car? Are you trying to stop a foreclosure or wage garnishment? The clearer you are about your goals, the better the attorney can explain whether bankruptcy will help you reach them.
When to look beyond the NACBA directory
If you cannot find an NACBA member in your area, or if you call several and none of them have availability, search your state bar association's website for other bankruptcy attorneys. You can also ask the bankruptcy court clerk's office for referrals — they see which attorneys appear regularly in court and can point you toward active practitioners.
Legal aid organizations in your state may also offer bankruptcy services for free or at low cost if your income is below a certain threshold. Call your local legal aid office or search for "legal aid" plus your state name to find out whether you may have access to.
If cost is a barrier, some attorneys will negotiate their fees or allow you to pay in installments. It is worth asking, especially if you have a straightforward Chapter 7 case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a NACBA member attorney better than one who is not a member?
Not necessarily. NACBA membership shows commitment to staying current with bankruptcy law and following ethical standards, but many skilled bankruptcy attorneys are not members. The directory is useful because it narrows your search, but you should still interview multiple attorneys and choose based on their experience, fees, and how comfortable you feel working with them.
How much does it cost to hire a NACBA member attorney?
Fees vary widely depending on your location, the type of bankruptcy, and the complexity of your case. Chapter 7 typically costs $1,000 to $3,500 in attorney fees. Chapter 13 often costs less upfront because the fee is paid through your repayment plan. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations and payment plans, so ask about both when you call.
Can I find a NACBA attorney who specializes in my specific situation?
The NACBA directory does not filter by specialty, but you can call attorneys and ask whether they have handled cases similar to yours. If you are facing foreclosure, have a business, or have other complications, mention this on your first call so the attorney can tell you whether they have relevant experience.
What if I cannot afford an attorney at all?
Contact your local legal aid office to see whether you may have access to for free or low-cost bankruptcy help. You can also ask NACBA member attorneys whether they offer payment plans or reduced fees based on income. Some attorneys will work with you on cost if your case is straightforward.
How do I know if an attorney is actually licensed and in good standing?
Search your state bar association's website for the attorney's name and license number. The bar website will show whether they are licensed, whether any complaints have been filed against them, and whether they have any disciplinary history. This is a free search and takes just a few minutes.