Filing for bankruptcy without a lawyer, also known as filing pro se, is possible but it requires careful preparation and understanding of legal issues. Here are the general steps you need to follow:
- Determine your eligibility for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
- Get copies of your credit reports and tax return.
- Enroll in a credit counseling course.
- Fill out the bankruptcy forms.
- Pay the filing fee or fill out a fee waiver request.
- Print your completed bankruptcy forms and go to the court to file your forms.
- Mail required documents to your trustee.
- Take the second required bankruptcy course on financial management.
- Attend the 341 meeting with your trustee.
- Deal with your car loan if you have one.
You can use a non-attorney petition preparer to help with paperwork, but they can’t give legal advice or represent you in court. Misunderstandings of the law or making mistakes in the process can affect your rights. Therefore, seeking the advice of a qualified attorney is strongly recommended.
Please note that this information is a general guideline and may not apply to your specific situation. Always consult with a legal professional before making any decisions related to bankruptcy.