Can I File Bankruptcy Without a Lawyer

In bankruptcy cases It’s uncommon for people to ask if I can file bankruptcy without a lawyer. It not common to file without a lawyer but it is possible. The difference between filing bankruptcy without a lawyer and other legal cases is that a bankruptcy case is governed by federal law not State law. By itself this doesn’t change whether you file bankruptcy without a lawyer or not. What does change is that its considered more difficult than a State Court case. Before you decide if you’re going to use a lawyer to file or if you’re going to file bankruptcy without a lawyer there are a few things that you need to consider.

What Paperwork Will I Need to File Bankruptcy

The Oklahoma Bankruptcy Courts are very particular about what paperwork you need in order to file a successful case. Although the bankruptcy petition will tell you what’s required its very tricky.  Regardless of whether you decide to file a chapter 7 or a chapter 13 bankruptcy you will be providing your taxes. Depending on which Oklahoma Bankruptcy Court you file in you will need anywhere from 2 to 4 years past taxes. Additionally, you will need to provide 6 months of payroll information and 6 months of checking and savings. Although there is much more paperwork that the court requires this will get you pointed in the right direction.

What Chapter of Bankruptcy Should I File

The chapter of bankruptcy that you file is one of the biggest questions that you need to decide.  If you choose to file a chapter 7 you need to qualify. The qualifications need to file for a chapter 7 are very specific. Among other things,  you must not accede a certain income level.  What the income level is depends on the size of your family and what Oklahoma County that you live in.

If your income is to high to file for a chapter 7 you’ll have to file a chapter 13. A chapter 13 is much different than a chapter 7. In a chapter 13 bankruptcy you will be providing much more paperwork and meet far more requirements. You will have to submit repayments plans to the bankruptcy Trustee and meet additional requirements.

Related bankruptcy information: Stopping Garnishments by Filing bankruptcy

You Can File Bankruptcy Without a Lawyer:

As you can see the answer to the question can I file bankruptcy without a lawyer is yes there are certain pitfalls to be aware of.  Besides what chapter to file and what paperwork you need there are several other questions. If you feel that filing without the help of a lawyers is what you want to do than it’s your right. I would contact the Bankruptcy Court in you jurisdiction and review the requirements and then go from there.

Contact an Oklahoma Bankruptcy Attorney:

If you’ve got questions about bankruptcy we can help. Our Oklahoma bankruptcy attorneys have helped thousands of people work through financial problems and get a fresh financial start. If you find yourself unable to pay your monthly bills bankruptcy may be right for you. Call us at 918.743.2233 for a free consultation or read more about bankruptcy in our Tulsa lawyers blog.