
Filing for bankruptcy isn’t easy. There’s a lot of paperwork involved and you need to do a thorough accounting of your own debts and assets. This is why most people choose to get the help of a Bergen County Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer when they’re looking for a fresh financial start. Filing without an attorney is just asking for trouble.
Are Different Types of Bankruptcy More Difficult Without an Attorney?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is usually less complicated than Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This is because Chapter 13 requires you to make a payment plan for your creditors and that’s additional work. However, just because Chapter 7 can be less complicated, that doesn’t mean that we recommend filing that type of bankruptcy without an attorney. You can still run into complications there, as we’ll get to in a moment.
What Can Happen If I File For Bankruptcy Without an Attorney?
Bankruptcy is not a very forgiving process. If you make errors, your case is more likely to be dismissed without your debts getting discharged. Filing without an attorney can lead to:
Making mistakes on forms: Making errors on any of your paperwork can cause financial and legal headaches.
Not fulfilling all requirements: You have to follow the rules when filing for bankruptcy. Someone filing on their own is more likely to miss crucial steps, like attending credit counseling courses, that can impact that case.
Forgetting to list debts: You can go through bankruptcy and then realize that you are still in debt because you forgot to include some creditors in your filing. A lawyer can help you avoid such mistakes.
What Else Can a Bankruptcy Attorney Do to Help?
A bankruptcy attorney isn’t just there to prevent you from making any costly mistakes. Your attorney can also help you make the most out of this process. This is a fresh financial start. Your lawyer can help make sure that:
You protect all valuable assets: You have exemptions for certain assets when filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but it can be tough to completely understand the rules when you file without an attorney. Your attorney will know the rules though. They’ll make sure that you keep all of the assets that you are entitled to keep.
Creditor challenges are dealt with: If a creditor has an issue with your bankruptcy filing or payment plan, an attorney can help you address that.
This is your best option: An attorney can advise you about this process and whether going through bankruptcy is the best option for you. This may not be your only choice, and an experienced lawyer can help you figure out a better path forward.
Priority debts are addressed: Priority debts are debts that are not going to be discharged. This can include things like past-due child support or alimony, or certain types of tax bills. Your attorney can help you account for these debts and understand what you’ll be responsible for paying back.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, you now know how complex of an undertaking it can be. Contact the Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri to schedule a consultation and learn more about what our attorneys can do for you.