How to File Bankruptcy and Save on Legal Expenses — 3 Methods of Declaring Personal Bankruptcy
Written by Author on November 2nd, 2009How can you get started with your bankruptcy? If you want to declare yourself bankrupt you have to start the bankruptcy process by submitting the official bankruptcy forms. You must learn the several ways on how to file for bankruptcy. Your goal is to get the most affordable bankruptcy solution and save on legal cost. This article will give you an overview of the several ways of filing for bankruptcy.
The Safest Method
This is the simplest and safest way to file personal bankruptcy — employ a bankruptcy attorney full-time. The attorney will help you over the full process. It is the attorney’s job to evaluate, prepare and file your petition. During the meeting of creditors your lawyer will manage all the tough issues that may arise. The only negative in selecting this procedure is that it costs more. You must find a way on how to filter attorneys properly for you to get the best possible deal if you want to use this method.
The Hybrid Method
This procedure is the most adopted technique in filing for bankruptcy. The hybrid method usually works best in filing Chapter 7. The key factor here is to hire the services of an attorney or law firm to prepare your petition. You need to pay the service provider with a fixed fee. Once they file your documents you are on your own. You can save on legal expenses because part of the solution is a self-help work. You should look for a bankruptcy preparation service that will also give you a mini seminar on how to handle the do-it-yourself portion as part of the package.
The Cheapest Method
This method is a full do-it-yourself solution or “pro se” filing. You need to educate yourself with the complexness of the bankruptcy laws. You can download the free bankruptcy forms for Ch 7 or Ch 13 but it is usually easier to do this method if you get an up-to-date bankruptcy book or a bankruptcy kit. If you try to ask help from your local court clerks they will say they can’t assist you. They will not give you advice on how to fill out the forms because that would be considered as “practicing the law” — a task reserved only for registered bankruptcy attorneys.
What to Do Next?
Now that you know the different methods of declaring personal bankruptcy, which method are you going to choose? The new bankruptcy law does not require you to have a lawyer, but it is in your best interest to seek the advice of an experienced bankruptcy lawyer. If you choose to declare bankruptcy without the help of an attorney, you will need to have to show a lot of patience and diligence. Keep in mind that when it comes to filing personal bankruptcy, you either liquidate your assets or you protect them.
Do you want to know where you can find cheap bankruptcy lawyers? Find out how to declare bankruptcy with inexpensive, easy and fast solutions today.
