{"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":"2023-10-31T13:56:00","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T18:56:00","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
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\n By Linda Sanabria, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Susan Mills Richmond, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\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

Yes, you can legally file for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy without a lawyer. But should you?<\/p>\r\n

Every year, thousands of Americans find themselves unable to pay off their debts<\/a> yet unable to afford bankruptcy. It is no surprise that attorneys’ fees make up the lion’s share of bankruptcy expenses. So you might be wondering if a lawyer is really necessary to file for bankruptcy. It largely depends on the complexity of your case.<\/p>\r\n

For filers who own little property and don’t make much money, filing bankruptcy pro se, or without a lawyer, might be possible. Make no mistake, while filing for bankruptcy on your own can save you money, it’s a serious undertaking. You’ll have to pull together your financial documentation, file a lot of paperwork on time, and communicate with your bankruptcy trustee<\/a>. <\/p>\r\n

You’ll also need to take the time to understand the bankruptcy basics, including the state and federal laws that apply.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy<\/a> and a few tips to help make the process as simple and painless as possible.<\/p>\r\n

The Process<\/h2>\r\n

You should follow these steps when you file your bankruptcy case:<\/p>\r\n

1. Determine Whether Your Income Meets the Means Test<\/h3>\r\n

When considering whether to file bankruptcy without a lawyer, the first step is to conduct a \u201cMeans Test<\/a>" to determine whether you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.<\/p>\r\n

The federal government provides a test form<\/a>. You can also find simplified versions of the test online. You’ll have to answer questions regarding:<\/p>\r\n