Filing for bankruptcy requires careful preparation and understanding of specific legal issues and rules. Pro se litigants in bankruptcy court are expected to understand and follow these rules and procedures in federal courts, just as if they were represented by an attorney. Saying “I didn’t know” will not allow a pro se litigant to get out of making a mistake. The failure to follow the rules and procedures of the United States Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and the local rules of the court in which the case is filed can have dire consequences which can affect your rights, such as loss of your home or car, dismissal of your case or even, depending on the severity of the mistake, federal criminal charges.
Advice from an experienced Bankruptcy attorney can assist you with:
Explain the bankruptcy law and procedures to you (legal advice can only be provided by a licensed attorney not by a paralegal)Determination of eligibility to file a bankruptcy petition information provided for you to choose which chapter to file under (7, 11, or 13)Advise which debts can be discharged, and which can advise whether or not you are able to keep your home, car, or other property after you case is discharged Advise of potential tax consequences of filingAdvise whether you should continue to pay creditors and which creditors you should not pay Complete and file all required schedules
For more information regarding filing bankruptcy and/or understanding your rights, you can contact the law office of Schwam-Wilcox & Associates.
