Posted on June 10, 2009 at 5:37 am I heard that it is very tedious to do alone, but I seriously can't afford a lawyer, can anybody give me some guidelines. Thanks in advance

Posted on June 10, 2009 at 5:43 am Of course you can, and you are right, it is. Which chapter are you filing? I'm hoping that your answer is Chapter 13 because it would address your lawyer fees concern. It can be paid through the plan. I just want you to know that without a lawyer, the court will expect you to know the ins and outs of bankruptcy, because it would deal with you, an ordinary consumer, as it would deal with an expert bankruptcy lawyer. Why would the court do that? Because the bankruptcy procedure is still the same with or without a lawyer. The filer would still be filling out and submitting forms, attending all the mandatory courses and be present at the hearings. Without a lawyer you won't have a choice but be extra thorough, because missing out on one information or a meeting would cause the bankruptcy petition to be dismissed.

Posted on June 10, 2009 at 5:54 am There are alternatives to bankruptcy, like credit counseling and debt settlement, i f you need advice as to where to go with your financial difficulty, why not fill out one of those forms and consult for free?If you are decided that you want to file bankruptcy without a lawyer, these are the steps that you must take, generally: Get credit counseling 180 days before filing. It is a requirement of the new bankruptcy law of 2005. Make sure you have the paper to prove it.Gather all your financial records (bills and creditor information)Here is the part that might discourage you from filing without a lawyer: you have to study the federal government bankruptcy rules and systems.Know all the documents, filing fees, and dates of your bankruptcy petition.

Posted on June 10, 2009 at 5:57 am Which chapter are you filing again?

Posted on June 10, 2009 at 8:17 am Savedbythebell, What exactly is your situation? Are you convinced that filing bankruptcy is the only option for you to find relief from your debts? Let us know and we can potentially inform you of some bankruptcy alternatives that could be suitable for you depending on your circumstances.

Posted on October 13, 2009 at 3:35 am Can I file bankruptcy myself?Of course you can, especially if it is Chapter 13 that you are filing. It even has what they call a hardship discharge.

Posted on October 13, 2009 at 3:47 am Can I file bankruptcy myself? - Hardship dischargeBankruptcy judges may differ though in their definition or qualifications for a hardship discharge. The court might ask the consumer to modify the bankruptcy or convert it to Chapter 7. If that is not possible,then the consumer has to show proof that he/she suffered a massive personal injury or has been unable to work for reasons well beyond his/her control.

Posted on October 13, 2009 at 3:52 am Can I file bankruptcy myself? - Hardship dischargeBut being granted a hardship discharge does not mean that the consumer is already from from debt...even with a hardship discharge, the consumer may still have to deal with long-term debt obligations, such as student loans, child support & alimony, also taxes.

Posted on October 13, 2009 at 3:53 am Can I file bankruptcy myself? - Hardship dischargeIt is possible to discharge of some of the taxes though like income taxes, but it is almost never possible to discharge other taxes, like sales taxes and tax fraud.

Posted on October 13, 2009 at 4:06 am Can I file bankruptcy myself? - Hardship dischargeWhich leads us back to the question, why bankruptcy? What is the consumer's debt type anyway? If it is mostly unsecured, it's better to try credit counseling or debt settlement instead.