Essential Bankruptcy Strategies

Today's Question: How Can I File for Bankruptcy for Free?

The problem is familiar. When filing becomes necessary, paying legal fees is difficult. Because of this dilemma, many people wonder, "Can I file for bankruptcy for free?"

Economic problems plague everyone occasionally. From the richest corporations to very low-income earners, entering court protection to prevent creditor harassment is becoming more common. You may ask 12 attorneys, "Can I file for bankruptcy for free?" You may also receive 12 different answers. The differences in attorney answers reflect, in part, their desire to collect fees. In addition, there are several different ways to use bankruptcy lawyers free of cost or obligation.

As a last option, many people choose to represent themselves without retaining an attorney or even talking to an attorney. For more information about this option, see "Can I File Bankruptcy for free without using a lawyer?

The Problem with Filing Bankruptcy for Free

Filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 yourself is difficult without at least some help from an attorney. The free forms and instructions provided by the clerk of the court offer little guidance and are confusing. The instructions encourage compliance with the court’s requirements. The instructions do not explain all options that are available or how to exercise your options wisely.

Several dozen books are available to help people who file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 without a lawyer. For the most part, these books merely repeat legal requirements in ordinary terms. Almost all books fall short of explaining the most valuable options and how to claim them. A great book should provide an easy to follow plan for claiming the most valuable rights and privileges available under current law.

Unfortunately, people who file for free typically waste $50 to $100 on disappointing books and guides and eventually throw away their most valuable rights. They then hire a form preparation company (paralegals via the internet) to fill in official forms and waste even more money. Many of these companies are extremely quick when preparing fillable download forms and make obvious mistakes. You can avoid these problems easily if you only know how to use free and readily available opportunities.

Great Results Using Free Bankruptcy Consultations

Finding bankruptcy lawyers free of charge is easy for some people. Legal aid foundations provide free bankruptcy consultations and representation throughout the entire process. Legal aid foundations frequently limit services based on historical income. Very low-income earners and unemployed persons may qualify when providing proof of income or lack of income.

Any attorney may provide pro bono legal services without cost. This type of service is optional for lawyers in private practice. Although most state bar associations encourage all lawyers to provide a limited amount of pro bono advice each year, many member lawyers do not provide these services.

The easiest way to obtain legal advice without cost or obligation of any kind is during free bankruptcy consultations. Almost all lawyers encourage potential clients to visit their office for a first interview. During these free bankruptcy consultations, both clients and lawyers have an opportunity to evaluate one another and decide how to proceed. You really can talk to bankruptcy lawyers free.

Importantly, you may interview as many lawyers as you wish. If you are well prepared before the meeting, you may ask very specific questions about your case. Ask all questions you deem important. The key to obtaining valuable advice is to know what, when and how to ask better questions.

If you are well prepared and have your means test results in hand, before a free consultation, you can discover high quality answers. In addition, you could also waste many hours or days trying to prepare yourself to discover what options and benefits to request. Fortunately, there is a much better way to prepare for bankruptcy and obtain maximum benefits.

The Best Way to File for Bankruptcy for Free

Planning a case is essential to receive maximum benefits. You should begin planning months before filing. This time allows you to influence the results of the Chapter 7 means test. To do this successfully, you must understand what the means test is, how it will affect your case, and the ways you may legally influence the test result.

If you retain an attorney for this service, you could easily spend $1,000 or more to organize your financial records, evaluate them, and advise you what to do. Much better, you can provide this service for yourself for only a negligible cost.

If you calculate the means test yourself, you will notice that results change over time. Then, with just small changes in your lifestyle, you can eventually qualify for Chapter 7 or alternatively lower your Chapter 13 payments.

When you have your means test results in hand before a free consultation, you should be prepared to ask highly target questions and obtain legal advice without cost. Of course, a detailed pre-prepared list of interview questions will help greatly.

To find out more about the means test, what questions you should ask, and the most valuable options available today, see Strategies to File for Bankruptcy for Free.