Filing for bankruptcy without a lawyer is not recommended. Although it is possible to file bankruptcy without a lawyer, it is a complex legal process and you may not fully understand all of the rules and procedures. In addition, if you make a mistake, you could jeopardize your bankruptcy case.
There are two types of bankruptcy that individuals can file: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 bankruptcies are known as liquidation bankruptcies because the court will sell some of your assets in order to pay off your creditors. Chapter 13 bankruptcies are known as reorganization bankruptcies because you will create a repayment plan to pay off your debts over a three- to five-year period.
1. Your most recent federal tax return
2. A list of all of your creditors, including their addresses and phone numbers
3. A list of all of your assets, including their estimated values
4. Your pay stubs for the last six months
5. Your most recent bank statements
Once you have gathered all of the required documents, you will need to file a petition with the bankruptcy court in your district. The petition will need to include the following information:
1. Your name, address, and Social Security number
2. A list of your creditors
3. A list of your assets and their estimated values
4. A statement of your monthly income and expenses
5. A statement of your intent to file for bankruptcy
After you have filed the petition, you will need to attend a meeting of creditors. This meeting is also known as a 341 hearing. At the meeting, the bankruptcy trustee will ask you questions about your petition and your financial situation.
If you are unable to reach a repayment agreement with your creditors, the bankruptcy court will issue a discharge order. This order will release you from the obligation to repay your debts.
