Bankruptcy lawyers help individuals and businesses file for bankruptcy — but thats not all they do. In addition to helping with the actual paperwork and providing representation in court, bankruptcy attorneys help their clients decide whether bankruptcy is the best choice for them, and if so, what kind of bankruptcy they should use. They also advise clients on the consequences of a bankruptcy for other financial matters, such as taxes or child support payments. And many consumer bankruptcy attorneys also handle related legal matters, such as settling debt without bankruptcy, negotiating mortgage modifications or suing over predatory lending.