Comments on: What Is A Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant?

By: The Untethered Lawyer Thinks In Addition To, Not Instead Of

The Untethered Lawyer Thinks In Addition To, Not Instead Of — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:02:59 +0000

[...] can use a virtual bankruptcy assistant as a way of supplementing your office staff rather than as a [...]

By: Michael Hastings

Michael Hastings — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:15:00 +0000

Tracy, I appreciate that you have pointed out a very important distinction. The Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant is first and foremost a Bankruptcy Assistant, who happens to utilize software tools and technology which allows them to facilitate all work needed to manage bankruptcy petition preparation from a distance. Ultimately, I always try to impress upon my clients that we can offer so much more than just the input of numbers into a bankruptcy software application, and for the most part, they get it. The increase in office efficiency can be seen immediately, if the attorney who utilizes the services of a virtual bankruptcy assistant knows what they want to accomplish in advance. As with any business relationship, I always advise attorneys that you should investigate those you are entrusting your bankruptcy firm's reputation with, and that diligence will ensure that you are able to connect with a competent virtual bankruptcy assistant.

By: Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant Training

Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant Training — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:02:02 +0000

[...] virtual bankruptcy assistant can be the most helpful resource in your office, or the worst. And it all depends on how you [...]

By: markpowell

markpowell — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:29:54 +0000

Thanks for the response Jay. I anticipated that was going to be the answer.

By: markpowell

markpowell — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:29:54 +0000

Thanks for the response Jay. I anticipated that was going to be the answer.

By: JayFleischman

JayFleischman — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:25:30 +0000

Mark, I use Parallels for Mac and can run any Windows-based petition preparation program I choose. Unfortunately, there are no major ones out there for the Mac lovers among us.

By: markpowell

markpowell — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:39:32 +0000

Dear Jay,

I, as a furloughed airline pilot, was searching the internet the other day when I came across a site discussing Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants. I am also a Notary here in MN and thought this might be another avenue of income until I get back flying and even while I am flying. While investigating this further I discovered one little hiccup. I use a MAC and the majority of BK software out there is for use on Windows based machines. Upon further investigating I stumbled upon a site that listed numerous different MAC programs for BK prep but the links were mostly dead, then I discovered your site. Have you discovered anything that can handle the job but on the MAC platform? I was wondering if you have any suggestions that you think might work for my possible endeavor.

By: Tracy Coyle

Tracy Coyle — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:07:00 +0000

Good questions.

1. How do you find a good VA? Ask! Often people you know use VAs but don't necessarily call them VAs. "I have this person come in or do some work from home that is great!" There are some associations that have sprung up for VAs that help people start a VA business, offer educational benefits and assist in marketing. I am not a member of any of them. Not because I think there is anything wrong with them, but many of the benefits offered are of little value to me, for now.

Can you find a VA online? Yes. There are many that advertise, but of course, that leads to your second question:

2. How do you find a good VA using just an interview – especially on the phone?

A post on some questions to ask a potential VA is forthcoming here, but at a minimum, a VA should be able to speak intelligently about petitions, clients and legal processes concerning bankruptcy. The more consistent the response, the more likely you have someone with actual knowledge and experience. Whether others do or not, I don't know, but I offer every potential client a petition prepared without cost. Some have given me a simple case they already filed, others a complicated case ready for filing. (Confidentiality issues need to be addressed.)

The more you ask, the better you will be able to judge the candidate.