You've heard, and it is absolutely true, that individuals can file for bankruptcy without the help of an attorney.
All a person needs to do is to fill out the correct forms completely and correctly and then file them.
That sounds easy enough - until you try doing it.
It's easy to think, when you are considering filing for bankruptcy, that you have enough financial problems and more debt than you can handle, so hiring an attorney seems to be an expense you can avoid if you just do the work yourself.
However, this is one of those places in life when more really is better.
You do need a bankruptcy lawyer who understands the requirements and the ins and outs of the legal system regarding bankruptcy laws that apply particularly to your situation.
The bankruptcy laws have changed.
What once was a straightforward and rather simple process is now anything but straightforward and simple.
There was a time when a person could just file simple forms, appear before a judge, and have his financial slate wiped clean.
That is no longer the case.
Today, just qualifying to file for bankruptcy is a difficult process and, unlike it was in earlier times, all debt is not forgiven.
Some things did remain unchanged when the bankruptcy laws were amended.
Those who file for bankruptcy do not lose their homes, and they are allowed to keep the real property they have that they need to earn a living and care for their families.
One thing that your bankruptcy attorney will likely caution you about is the predatory lenders out there that offer loans and even credit cards to those who have filed for bankruptcy.
Your attorney will tell you not to accept any unsolicited offers for credit that may come your way.
This is good advice that you should take.