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My bills are so bad and my income will never cover them, I'm seriosuly considering just filing bankruptcy. How do I do it? Does an attorney do it for me? How much will it cost? How long will it take? So many questions!
16 ANSWERS
Well you have to be eligible to be able to file bankruptcy and unless you have the skills to make that determination, you should consult with a bankruptcy attorney in your community. The attorney will need to obtain information and financial documents to prepare the paperwork, and the fee will depend on how much work the attorney must do for you. The amount of time it will take will largely depend on how quickly you get the information & documents to the attorney.
Answered on Feb 21st, 2013 at 1:45 PM
Like most complicated matters, it is always best to have a professional do it for you, and bankruptcy is no exception. Can you file a bankruptcy without using an attorney? Yes. You can also (1) perform a lobotomy on yourself without using as physician, or (2) extract your own tooth without using a dentist, but I would submit that neither of these enterprises is recommended. The legal fees will be determined after a consultation with your attorney, and will depend upon the Chapter of the Bankruptcy Code that you file under and the relative complexity of your case. In a typical Chapter 7 case there is 90 days between the case filing and the entry of your bankruptcy discharge. How long it takes to actually get the bankruptcy case is typically within the client's control. How long does it take the client to gather together the necessary documents? How long does it take to put together the legal and filing fee?
Answered on Feb 21st, 2013 at 12:22 AM
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney serving Lisle, IL
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Mankus & Marchan, Ltd.
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You should consult with a bankruptcy attorney regarding your questions. I would not advise filing bankruptcy without the advice and help of an attorney. The laws and procedures are very complex.
Answered on Feb 20th, 2013 at 3:40 PM
Yes, this is something traditionally done by an attorney. You could try to do it yourself, but I would not recommend it. The cost varies depending on the type of bankruptcy filed as well as (somewhat) who you hire to represent you.
Answered on Feb 20th, 2013 at 3:40 PM
Estate Planning Attorney serving Wilmington, DE
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Reger Rizzo & Darnall, LLP
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You can file without an attorney, but you still need to follow all the rules and deadlines. I believe the filing fee for a Chapter 7 is $309 and for a Chapter 13, $299. Not sure of the fees but you can get the package and all the information for the means test and filing from the clerk in Bankruptcy.
Answered on Feb 20th, 2013 at 3:40 PM
General Practice Attorney serving Crystal Lake, IL
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Bruning & Associates, P.C.
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The first step is to consult with an attorney. The going rate for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is $1,500, and that will include your filing fee. Stay away from places that advertise on TV because they are much more expensive than everyone else. Unless you have special circumstances to deal with in the bankruptcy (e.g. student loans, co-signed debt, etc.), you should go with the cheapest attorney you can find-this is not rocket science.
Answered on Feb 20th, 2013 at 3:39 PM
Construction Litigation Attorney serving Mission Viejo, CA
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Law Office of Christian F. Paul
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You may file your own bankruptcy, but you may save yourself some headaches by hiring a lawyer. You ought to make an appointment to see a bankruptcy lawyer (many give free consultations) to find out whether bankruptcy is right for you, and what chapter to file. Get together whatever documents the lawyer wants you to bring and ask questions and take notes during the consultation.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2013 at 11:48 PM
In order to find out if you will qualify for a chapter 7 bankruptcy you will want to speak with a bankruptcy attorney. This will be your first step.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2013 at 11:47 PM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Phoenix, AZ
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Law Office of D. L. Drain, P.A.
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Bankruptcy is a very complicated process. It is wise to talk to an experienced bankruptcy attorney before deciding to take this important step. Most Arizona bankruptcy attorneys offer a free consultation about the basics of bankruptcy.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2013 at 11:47 PM
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney serving Winston-Salem, NC
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Love and Dillenbeck Law
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Consult an attorney...most give free consultations and can answer all of your questions.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2013 at 11:46 PM
Personal Injury Attorney serving Reno, NV
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Law Offices of William D. Cope, LLP
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Yes it's best to have an attorney advise you, prepare and file your bankruptcy. Otherwise, you you will not be sure of all your rights, what property is protected and what is not protected etc.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2013 at 11:45 PM
Bankruptcy Law Attorney serving Livingston, NJ
Partner at
Law Office of Stuart M. Nachbar, P.C.
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In NJ; With that many questions, you should be contacting a bankruptcy specialist and asking for a free consult. It can cost anywhere from 1500 to 3500 depending on what type is filed. If a 7 it can be done in about 6 to 8 months. A chapter 13 will be 3 to 5 years depending on your Plan.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2013 at 11:43 PM
Landlord & Tenant Attorney serving Thibodaux, LA
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The Louque Law Firm, L.L.C.
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Bankruptcy can be a complex area of the law and is recommended that you seek the advice of an attorney if you are considering bankruptcy. How long it takes depends on the jurisdiction where you live, the trustee assigned to your case, and the Chapter you file. It is impossible to answer your questions without more information. An experienced bankruptcy attorney should be able to answer your questions and many bankruptcy attorneys offer a free consultation. It is impossible to answer your questions without more information.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2013 at 11:39 PM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Atlanta, GA
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Saedi Law Group, LLC
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I would suggest that you contact a bankruptcy attorney to review your current situation and see what options are available. Make sure the attorney provides a FREE consultation and that you feel comfortable with that firm. If you have a lot of questions make sure that they are answered and you feel 200% sure of your decision.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2013 at 6:23 PM
3 months around $1000 use a specialist attorney for it.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2013 at 6:23 PM
Bankruptcy Law Business Attorney serving Asheville, NC
Partner at
Pitts, Hay & Hugenschmidt, PA
2 Awards
Most Bankruptcy lawyers will not change a consultation fee to discuss your options in Bankruptcy Court. I suggest you start there.
Answered on Feb 19th, 2013 at 6:21 PM