Choosing to file bankruptcy by yourself (pro se) can be a very expensive mistake
What happens if you file for bankruptcy without an attorney? Is it possible? Advisable? Below are several related questions that will hopefully address your queries and concerns.
Yes – the United States bankruptcy law allows you to file for bankruptcy without an attorney. This is called a Pro Se bankruptcy, and means that you represent yourself in court. If you file bankruptcy without an attorney you are still required to follow the many different sets of laws and procedural rules that apply to the federal bankruptcy courts. These include the United States Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, the local rules of the court in which the case is filed, plus the applicable state and federal statutes, as well as the applicable state and federal court decisions interpreting all of these to the extent that they apply to your case.
Reasons to use our Detroit bankruptcy attorney for your case
If you’re considering bankruptcy and are wondering if you should file on your own without an attorney’s help, you should stop and think about it carefully. In addition to the high failure rates shown in research, there are other things to consider including:
- Expert advice – Even if you do your homework and research bankruptcy laws, you will not be able to obtain the knowledge and expertise that a dedicated bankruptcy attorney possesses.
- Representation – It can be intimidating to go into court without someone experience at your side. With an attorney representing you, you will be able to relax and let them run the case.
- Advocacy – After you file bankruptcy, creditors should stop contacting you, but if they don’t, you’ll have to fight them. If you have an attorney, they will take care of all of this for you.
- Error free – Expert bankruptcy attorneys know how to prepare all of the reams of paperwork required by the court and if there are any errors in the filing, will correct them and refile. If a debt is not listed accurately in the bankruptcy schedules, or is not done so on time, you may end up owing that debt after your case is completed. Although most debts are obvious and easy to list, who should be given notice to successfully discharge a debt is often not so obvious, for example when debts are sent to multiple collection agencies, and situations involving litigation and other kinds of disputes. It’s crucial to list all potential creditors and claimants appropriately.
- Complete relief – An experienced bankruptcy attorney is your best shot to get the most complete debt relief and a fresh financial start. You may miss the mark and not prepare your case properly and miss out on significant opportunities if you exclude certain debts.
Call today and schedule a free consultation with our experienced Detroit bankruptcy attorneys and staff. We will review all your options and provide guidance that only comes with helping tens of thousands of Detroit people get a fresh start on their financial futures.
Call Today (248) 281-6299.
