There are several reasons to hire a competent legal professional to handle your bankruptcy proceeding. First, he or she can determine whether you should declare bankruptcy or find another alternative for your situation. Your attorney will also help you choose between Chapter 7, 9, 11 and 13 filings and work within the state bankruptcy law statutes. When it comes time to meet with the judge, your attorney will present the free bankruptcy forms you’ve filled out and will present your case for you. Additionally, your attorney will be by your side during creditor meetings or facilitate repayment plans for you, which will lessen the burden and sense of isolation you feel during this difficult time. Of course, if you want to save the $1,500 lawyer fee, there are certain things you can do on your own with a bit of research and know-how.
Many of the needed bankruptcy forms library officials provide free of charge, just as you can obtain annual tax forms. While you’re there, you can snag your free bankruptcy forms and also take out a few books to guide you through the bankruptcy process. One book to try is “We The People’s Guide to Bankruptcy: A Do-It-Yourself Plan for Getting Out of Debt” by Ira and Linda Distenfield, which offers other alternatives to bankruptcy as well. If you’re unsure of the laws surrounding bankruptcy, then try “Personal Bankruptcy Laws For Dummies” by James P. Caher and John M. Caher or “Personal Bankruptcy Simplified” by Daniel Sitarz. For Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may find a book called “How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy” by Stephen Elias, Albin Renauer and Robin Leonard handy. For Chapter 13 bankruptcy, try “Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Keep Your Property & Repay Debts Over Time” by Robin Leonard J.D. and Stephen Elias or “The Complete Chapter 13 Personal Bankruptcy Guide” by Haman.
Another great resource for free bankruptcy forms is the official government site for court forms at www.uscourts.gov/bkforms/index.html. Here you will receive special instructions on your obligations under bankruptcy proceedings and eligibility requirements. You can read about bankruptcy basics regarding Chapters 7, 9, 11, 12, 13 and 15. However, the site cautions: “This publication should not substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel.” You may find some of this information to be exhaustive and a little bit confusing. In that case, there are “find a lawyer” links on the site as well.
Free bankruptcy forms can be a great alternative option for people who can’t afford an expensive attorney. According to MSN Money Central, there are five other ways to reduce the costs associated with a bankruptcy legal professional. First, you may consider adding the attorney costs to your bankruptcy filing so your lawyer will be paid through a Chapter 13 settlement. In addition to free consultations, attorneys recommended by Legal Aid Services may work for a reduced fee or even pro bono. Visit www.abanet.org/legalservices/probono/directory/programlinks.html for help finding pro bono programs. You may also opt for “Limited Scope Representation,” which may enlist an attorney’s help in drafting the original legal forms but will leave the rest up to you and will cost perhaps $400 instead of $1,500. Lastly, you can try the “pro se” route and represent yourself in a local bankruptcy court.
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