Is it possible to file bankruptcy by myself (with no attorney involved)?
Unfortantely due to divorce and the economy I’m very behind on my utilities and credit cards. I feel helpless. I need to file bankruptcy ASAP. I live in Pennsylvania. Does anyone know of a very cheap attorney? Is it possible to do it by myself? I’m looking for as much information as possible.
Posted August 22nd, 2010 in Bankruptcy Q And A. Tagged: bankruptcy, credit cards, economy, pennsylvania.
You can file a bankruptcy case without using a lawyer but I would strongly advise against it. You are only required to attend the 341 hearing (meeting of the creditors). Your attorney can represent you during other meetings and hearings as required and in most cases you would not be required to attend meaning less time taken off from work.
You can find information about bankruptcy by searching on the following:
United States Bankruptcy Courts in Pennsylvania.
Depending on where you live in your state will determine where your case will be filed.
Look in your telephone book under Attorneys – Bankruptcy and call some of them in your area. The consultation should be free and some attorneys will allow you to pay them over time and possibly include some of the costs in your bankruptcy payment plan.
Under a bankruptcy you must pay on all secured debt if you intend to keep the assets (car, home). Most of your unsecured debts should be discharged (means you will owe nothing for them).
A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy should be discharged in about 4 months and a Chapter 13 bankruptcy should be discharged in 3 to 5 years. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy involves making a monthly payment to a bankruptcy trustee.
If you wish to file the case on your own and not use an attorney, I can only recommend that you do not sign an reaffirmation agreements. Creditors may attempt to get you to sign them since it will remove the particular debt from bankruptcy.
Best Wishes to you.
August 22nd, 2010 at 7:31 pmFor complete information on bankruptcy, visit the following site: http://finance.mapsofworld.com/bankruptcy/
August 22nd, 2010 at 7:31 pmNearly all bankruptcy attorneys offer free first consultations. Go meet with a few.
August 22nd, 2010 at 7:31 pm