Q: I have to file for bankruptcy. Where do I start?
My husband passed away 4 months ago. I have high credit card debt and not enough income to make payments.
A:
If you choose to file for bankruptcy relief without a lawyer, here are the forms you will need to fill out and file-
https://www.uscourts.gov/forms/bankruptcy-forms.
You must first decide whether to file a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 case. There are income limitations for Ch. 7 eligibility, and debt and income limits for Ch. 13.
It's possible, in theory, to file pro se (representing yourself). But there are pitfalls for the unwary, and because you can only file a bankruptcy case every eight years, I'd strongly recommend that you engage an attorney to represent you so that your case is done right and you get the maximum benefit.
A: Hire a competent bankruptcy attorney guide you through filing. It is very difficult to navigate on your own.
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