If you decide to seek bankruptcy relief, you can represent yourself, you can hire an attorney to
represent you, or you can get help in some localities from a bankruptcy petition preparer who is not an
attorney. THE LAW REQUIRES AN ATTORNEY OR BANKRUPTCY PETITION PREPARER TO GIVE
YOU A WRITTEN CONTRACT SPECIFYING WHAT THE ATTORNEY OR BANKRUPTCY PETITION
PREPARER WILL DO FOR YOU AND HOW MUCH IT WILL COST. Ask to see the contract before you
hire anyone.
The following information helps you understand what must be done in a routine bankruptcy case
to help you evaluate how much service you need. Although bankruptcy can be complex, many cases are
routine.
Before filing a bankruptcy case, either you or your attorney should analyze your eligibility for
different forms of debt relief available under the Bankruptcy Code and which form of relief is most likely to
be beneficial for you. Be sure you understand the relief you can obtain and its limitations. To file a
bankruptcy case, documents called a Petition, Schedules and Statement of Financial Affairs, as well as in
some cases a Statement of Intention need to be prepared correctly and filed with the bankruptcy court.
You will have to pay a filing fee to the bankruptcy court. Once your case starts, you will have to attend the
required first meeting of creditors where you may be questioned by a court official called a "trustee" and
by creditors.
If you choose to file a chapter 7 case, you may be asked by a creditor to reaffirm a debt. You
may want help deciding whether to do so. A creditor is not permitted to coerce you into reaffirming your
debts.
If you choose to file a chapter 13 case in which you repay your creditors what you can afford over
3 to 5 years, you may also want help with preparing your chapter 13 plan and with the confirmation
hearing on your plan which will be before a bankruptcy judge.
If you select another type of relief under the Bankruptcy Code other than chapter 7 or chapter 13,
you will want to find out what should be done from someone familiar with that type of relief.
Your bankruptcy case may also involve litigation. You are generally permitted to represent
yourself in litigation in bankruptcy court, but only attorneys, not bankruptcy petition preparers, can give
you legal advice.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BANKRUPTCY ASSISTANCE
SERVICES FROM AN ATTORNEY OR BANKRUPTCY PETITION PREPARER
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Date
Debtor
Joint Debtor
Attorney for Debtor(s)
