I HAVA SIMPLE CASE - CAN I DO IT BY MYSELF OR USE A PETITION PREPARER OR PARALEGAL?

There is no such thing as a “simple” bankruptcy, especially under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005. Your particular set of circumstances (what you own, what you earn and spend, who you owe, what caused you to fall behind, etc.) can significantly affect your bankruptcy case.


Only a skilled bankruptcy attorney can interview you and help you apply the facts of your life to the bankruptcy laws. Paralegals and preparers cannot give you legal advice or go to court with you. Paralegals and preparers cannot fight a creditor for you if that creditor contests your case in some manner. Most importantly, paralegals and petition preparers do not have to answer to any regulatory entity, whereas bankruptcy lawyers must comply with the ethical obligations and competency requirements of their state bar.


Any mistake a paralegal or petition preparer makes, could end up costing you thousands of dollars or the loss of property. It is also very unlikely that you would have any rights against them if they do make a mistake. You would likely save some money early, only to learn that you lost much, much more later on.