how to go bankrupt without a lawyer

If you’re unable to borrow enough money from family or friends to pay a lawyer, other options exist:

• File on your own, also called pro se. ...
• Obtain help from a free legal clinic or the Legal Aid Society. ...
• Find a bankruptcy lawyer who will work for you for free, known as pro bono representation. ...
• File under Chapter 13 instead of Chapter 7. ...
• Use other tactics to raise the money. ...

Full Answer

Can you file for bankruptcy without hiring an attorney?

Individuals can file bankruptcy without an attorney, which is called filing pro se. However, seeking the advice of a qualified attorney is strongly recommended because bankruptcy has long-term financial and legal outcomes. Filing personal bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 takes careful preparation and understanding of legal issues.

Can I make a living will without an attorney?

The general rule is the simpler your bankruptcy, the better your chances are to complete it and receive a bankruptcy discharge —the order erasing debt—on your own. Your case is likely simple enough to handle without an attorney if: you pass the first portion of the Chapter 7 means test (your yearly household income is less than the state median)

How to file for bankruptcy with out a lawyer?

Yes – the United States bankruptcy law allows you to file for bankruptcy without an attorney. This is called a Pro Se (15) … Raise the money · Work out a payment plan before filing · Go pro bono, which means finding an attorney who will take your case free of charge.

How do you file a lawsuit without an attorney?

Feb 29, 2016 · Filing For Bankruptcy Without an Attorney From a legal standpoint, there's no issue with representing yourself in your bankruptcy case. It is certainly possible to do so. "Pro se" filers, those who file on their own, have no extra barriers facing …

What to do if you are not comfortable with bankruptcy?

If you are not comfortable with any aspect of the bankruptcy process, you should consider hiring an attorney who will prepare the forms, attend the hearings with you, and guide you through the process. Talk to a Bankruptcy Lawyer.

Does bankruptcy go away?

Priority debts get paid first if money is available to pay creditors. More importantly, they're nondischargeable—they don't go away in bankruptcy.

Can you file bankruptcy without an attorney?

Your case is likely simple enough to handle without an attorney if: creditors aren't alleging fraud against you.

Can you dismiss a Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

If You Have a Complicated Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Filers don't have an automatic right to dismiss a Chapter 7 case. If you make a mistake, you risk having your case thrown out, your assets being taken and sold, or facing a lawsuit in your bankruptcy case to determine that certain debts shouldn't be discharged.

Is the internet secure?

The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties. You don't need an attorney when filing individual bankruptcy, and filing on your own or "pro se" (the term for representing yourself) is feasible if the case is simple enough.

What documents do trustees ask for?

The trustee may ask you for additional documents, like copies of tax returns, house papers, car papers, and bank account statements. Your meeting of creditors may take longer than for filers who are represented by attorneys so the trustee can do a thorough job of examining you under oath.

Who is Carron Armstrong?

Carron Armstrong is a bankruptcy and consumer lawyer, and an expert in debt and bankruptcy for The Balance. She has been helping educate consumers and businesses about finances for more than 40 years through her firm, Carron Nicks Law Firm, her work teaching paralegal and real estate courses at Texas colleges, and her writing.

Can you file a Chapter 7 case pro se?

Even if it looks like you will not have any non-exempt assets , filing a Chapter 7 case pro se is still a daunting task. Since your situation is somewhat out of the ordinary, your trustee will likely take special interest in your case, if only to ensure you have listed everything properly. The trustee may ask you for additional documents, like copies of tax returns, house papers, car papers, and bank account statements.