Is Hiring a Bankruptcy Lawyer Worth The Expense?

 After all, there’s no law stating that you can’t represent yourself in the proceedings, and websites have popped up offering to help people do the filings themselves for a nominal fee. Unfortunately, there is nothing that quite compares to having an experienced attorney guide you through the process. He will get it done faster, it will be done much more smoothly, and it will be done right the first time. If you’re thinking of filing, it is imperative that you hire one.

If you need a better excuse to spend the money, look at your bankruptcy lawyer as an investment. An investment in your future, which will hopefully be free of excess debt and put you on the road to financial independence. Naturally, one of the first things you need to learn is when and how to spend money. You have to avoid the financial traps that got you in the situation you’re in. You need to pass on things you can’t afford. But part of that process is also learning which things you can’t afford...to be without. A good attorney fits into that category.

Many people underestimate the complex nature of filing for Chapter 13 or Chapter 7. The paperwork can be nearly endless and if you thought filing your taxes was a complicated process, just wait until you see the impenetrable questions you must answer on the filing forms for this process. If you don’t have a good bankruptcy lawyer helping your through the procedure, it can be a nightmare and the chances of you making an error are beyond high. And when there is an error, it means that paperwork is coming back to you, one way or the other. It could take months or even years to successfully have the filing go through and be approved. You don’t have that kind of time.

Finally, realize that your creditors are not going to be happy with your decision to file, regardless of which option you take. Some will even try to fight the filing in court. Are you going to fight against their attorneys on your own? That’s a splendid idea, if you relish the thought of being buried underneath the courthouse. Otherwise, you’ll need an attack dog of your own—one who has the courtroom experience necessary to battle to the death.