how can I file bankruptcy if I''m already in financial trouble and can''t pay up front for an attorney?

In a chapter 13 case, the attorney is paid through the bankruptcy estate.  This means that the attorney receives no up-front legal fees.  You should immediately contact a local bankruptcy attorney to determine if you qualify for bankruptcy protection, so that you can protect your assets from creditors.  Most bankruptcy attorneys offer free initial consultations to determine if you qualify for bankruptcy. This is not intended to be legal advice, and is general in its nature. No attorney-client relationship exists or is formed by this information. Furthermore, this does not represent the views or opinions of LexisNexis or its affiliated companies.