{"id":286888,"date":"2021-01-26T14:46:08","date_gmt":"2021-01-26T19:46:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/bankruptcy\/before-you-file\/can-i-file-bankruptcy-without-a-lawyer.html"},"modified":"2026-07-20T15:43:34","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T20:43:34","slug":"can-i-file-bankruptcy-without-a-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/before-you-file\/can-i-file-bankruptcy-without-a-lawyer.html","title":{"rendered":"Can I File Bankruptcy Without a Lawyer?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can I File Bankruptcy Without a Lawyer?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

You can file for pro se<\/span> Chapter 7 bankruptcy<\/span> without the assistance of a licensed attorney if you meet a means test<\/span> and have uncomplicated debts such as credit card<\/span> bills and medical debt. However, an attorney can protect your assets and help make the process go more smoothly.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Bankruptcy law<\/span> allows anyone to file without assistance from a bankruptcy lawyer<\/span>. Whether you should do so is another question. Filers<\/span> who own little property and have low income may consider filing bankruptcy<\/span> pro se<\/span>, or without a lawyer. State bankruptcy laws<\/span> differ as to what you can claim as exemptions<\/span>, and you must appear in bankruptcy court<\/span> and negotiate with the bankruptcy trustee<\/span><\/a> and creditors. This article will review all the steps of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy<\/span> and when you may need an attorney for legal advice<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Filing Without an Attorney<\/h2>\n

When your debts have far surpassed your income, you may have to file for bankruptcy<\/a>. Having to pay an attorney an additional $2,000 plus filing fees<\/span> can feel like another expense you can\u2019t afford. If you\u2019re filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy<\/span><\/a>, also known as a liquidation bankruptcy, you may be able to prepare your own paperwork if you meet the requirements. Let\u2019s take another look at the two important factors.<\/p>\n

You Meet the Means Test<\/span><\/h3>\n

Chapter 7 has a means test<\/span><\/a> to determine if filers<\/span> qualify for the bankruptcy. If your income is below the state median, qualification is automatic. The state median income varies by state and may differ in those with large populations, such as California and Texas. You can find your state\u2019s median income on the Department of Justice U.S. Trustee Program website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Your Debts Are Not Complicated<\/h3>\n

If you have accumulated \u201csimple debt,\u201d like medical bills from a lengthy hospital stay, and do not have any business debt or other complicating factors, you may be able to file bankruptcy<\/span> without needing legal help. In this case, you simply need to demonstrate, with the help of receipts, paycheck stubs, and bank statements, that your bills have exceeded your ability to pay while making your living expenses. If you have basic debts like credit card<\/span> debts, personal loans, and similar issues, you might not need an attorney.<\/p>\n

When You Need Legal Help<\/h2>\n

You should consider legal advice<\/span> for your bankruptcy in any situation where you could lose property or that involves extensive negotiations with creditors and the bankruptcy trustee<\/span>. If you are filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy<\/span><\/a>, known as a reorganization, you must have legal help at some stage of the filing.<\/p>\n

In a Chapter 13, you must disclose all your assets and liabilities before negotiating with your creditors and the trustee to create a three- to five-year\u00a0repayment plan<\/span>. Chapter 13 bankruptcies<\/span> have a high failure rate when an attorney is not involved. Unless you\u2019re knowledgeable in this field, it\u2019s a good idea to get legal advice<\/span><\/a> to ensure this type of filing succeeds.<\/p>\n

Other situations that require legal advice<\/span> or an attorney include:<\/p>\n