Some people wait too long before calling a lawyer to learn about debt relief options. They may have been told that bankruptcy needs to be the last resort or they may believe their situation doesn’t call for drastic measures. However, just talking to a lawyer won’t worsen your situation. In fact, you will likely learn how to prevent sinking further into debt.

Here are some signs that you may have waited too long to speak with a bankruptcy attorney:

• A creditor has started garnishment proceedings against you.

• Your vehicle has been repossessed.

• You have received a foreclosure notice from your mortgage lender.

Bankruptcy may allow you to protect your assets from creditors. It is much more difficult to recover your money or property from a creditor than to prevent the creditor from taking it in the first place. Waiting until the last minute will likely reduce the help a bankruptcy attorney can provide. Don’t wait until you have lost your home or car, your wages have been garnisheed, or your retirement savings have been drained before contacting someone who can help.

It’s never too early to learn what your options are or to learn what you can do to protect your assets. A reputable attorney will never pressure you to file bankruptcy. Nor will an attorney encourage you to file if such a filing is not in your best interests. But if you wait too long, you may lose property or money you could have saved.