If you want to file bankruptcy yourself, you should be fully aware of the risks that you are taking.
Filing it by yourself was a very good option before 2005.
But in 2005 bankruptcy law was reformed, making it a lot more complex, even for many lawyers out there.
You can represent yourself and be okay.
Just know that if you mess up, you may have serious consequences.
Some people have lost their homes due to foreclosure and others did not get rid of debt, which would have been forgiven had they hired a lawyer.
Some companies sell bankruptcy in a "kit".
They give you a package with supposedly all the information you need to file bankruptcy yourself.
Some companies offer writing services to help you fill out the forms.
Although these options may be viable alternatives to getting a lawyer, there is a good reason why bankruptcy lawyers are paid a good amount of money to do what they do! The have knowledge and skills, which can only be attained after years of education.
Sure, you can teach yourself how to go through the bankruptcy process, but it will take many years before you are 100% ready to go to a bankruptcy court.
If you think about it, you are actually getting a bargain by paying someone around $2,000 to make sure that your bankruptcy goes smoothly.
Your court hearings will have an impact for many years of your life.
If you absolutely insist on not hiring a lawyer you can seek legal advice through law school students or your local bar association.
Filing it by yourself was a very good option before 2005.
But in 2005 bankruptcy law was reformed, making it a lot more complex, even for many lawyers out there.
You can represent yourself and be okay.
Just know that if you mess up, you may have serious consequences.
Some people have lost their homes due to foreclosure and others did not get rid of debt, which would have been forgiven had they hired a lawyer.
Some companies sell bankruptcy in a "kit".
They give you a package with supposedly all the information you need to file bankruptcy yourself.
Some companies offer writing services to help you fill out the forms.
Although these options may be viable alternatives to getting a lawyer, there is a good reason why bankruptcy lawyers are paid a good amount of money to do what they do! The have knowledge and skills, which can only be attained after years of education.
Sure, you can teach yourself how to go through the bankruptcy process, but it will take many years before you are 100% ready to go to a bankruptcy court.
If you think about it, you are actually getting a bargain by paying someone around $2,000 to make sure that your bankruptcy goes smoothly.
Your court hearings will have an impact for many years of your life.
If you absolutely insist on not hiring a lawyer you can seek legal advice through law school students or your local bar association.