Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business

Will You Need a Lawyer?

Most people don’t need to hire a lawyer to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. That’s good news, because since 2005, when changes to the bankruptcy law made things more complicated, attorney fees for bankruptcies have doubled in most parts of the country. As a result, people are doing their own bankruptcies in record numbers.

You will, however, need some guidance. You can probably find what you need from good do-it-yourself books and websites. Some bankruptcy court websites are also very helpful.

In some states (mostly in the West), paralegals called bankruptcy petition preparers by the federal bankruptcy law will do your paperwork under your direction and control. (Ch. 10 has more about lawyers, bankruptcy petition preparers, and other sources of help for you if you decide to file for bankruptcy.)