Q: Can I file for chapter 7 without an attorney?
I receive SS Disability, own no property & have no assets! Live in OR & did file chapter 7 11 yrs ago
A:
You're not required to have an attorney to file bankruptcy, and it is possible to file on your own.
However, if you're not well versed in the relevant law and the bankruptcy process, attempting to handle your own bankruptcy can lead to costly mistakes. People who simply print out forms and attempt to complete and submit them often overlook something important. In fact, one recent study showed that people who filed bankruptcy on their own were nearly 8 times as likely to have their cases dismissed than those represented by an attorney.
Once those mistakes are made, your options may be very limited, so consider consulting with a bankruptcy attorney before you make a decision about how to proceed.
*Kevin Chern is an Illinois licensed attorney who has practiced in federal consumer bankruptcy law and consumer protection law for the last 21 years. He is the Managing Partner of UpRight Law. Kevin's law partners are licensed in all 50 states and work in conjunction with Mr. Chern to provide bankruptcy and consumer legal services in all 50 states. Mr. Chern's answers to the questions are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Use of the answers does not establish any attorney-client relationship. For legal advice, you should consult with an attorney licensed to practice law in your state and with appropriate expertise.
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