Are you interested in filing for bankruptcy? If so, you should understand the seriousness of making this decision. It may be something that could benefit you now and over the long run, but at the same time there are potential pitfalls to be aware of.

Before you make this decision, here are three important details to focus on:

1. Other options. Think about it this way: bankruptcy should be your last resort. This is not something you do unless you absolutely have to. There are other options, such as debt consolidation or debt counseling, that could allow you to regain control of your finances without as many long term ramifications.

2. Explore the pros and cons. It is easy to believe that bankruptcy is the right answer, but until you review both the pros and cons you will never know for sure.

There is no denying the benefits of bankruptcy, such as the ability to eliminate some or all of your debt via a Chapter 7 filing. At the same time, there are drawbacks, such as the fact that this will have a negative impact on your credit score.

3. Hire an attorney. It does not matter how much you know about bankruptcy, at some point you want to hire an attorney who can review your situation and guide you down the appropriate path.

Find a local bankruptcy attorney who can help you decide if filing would be in your best interest. It is much easier to decide for or against this when you have a qualified professional on your side.

If you do these three things before filing for bankruptcy, you can make a more informed and confident decision. You can soon decide if this is right for you or if you should hold off for the time being. Don’t be surprised at what you find when you consider your other options, learn more about the pros and cons, and hire a bankruptcy attorney to be your guide.