Filing for bankruptcy is a cool approach to fight off troublesome debt.
This is what bankruptcy lawyers in MD say. And they are right.
It is a sigh of relief when a bankruptcy case is over. You can start a new and meaningful life free from debt.
But the very process of filing for bankruptcy can be daunting. The question is can you do it alone or should you take help from a bankruptcy lawyer?
It all depends on the type of bankruptcy and the complexity of your case.
In straightforward cases like Chapter 7 you can file on your own.
In such situations, it will be called “pro se”, signifying you are representing yourself.
When is it practicable to file without a bankruptcy lawyer?
There is no definitive explanation but as a thumb rule you can do it “pro se” if:
• Your household income is less than the median. • You have negligible assets. • You have no priority debts like child support, student loans, fines or penalties, or some kinds of taxes. • There are no fraud allegations against you.
Nevertheless, it makes good sense to hire an attorney if your chapter 7 case is complex, or if you are required to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Keep in mind chapter 13 is tough work.
In addition to several official forms, you must also structure a repayment plan, for which you need to be facile with software that most bankruptcy lawyers use.
Moreover, a creditor may file nondischargeable grievance against you requesting the court that a certain debt not be discharged in your case.
To counter such complaints you must prove you did not commit any fraud or embezzled funds or did not damage anyone’s property.
Even if your case is simple, the whole task can be intimidating.
The job of filling forms must be accurate without errors, and you must attend hearings as well.
The best bet is to hire an affordable bankruptcy attorney in Maryland. The attorney will guide you through the process and you will be free from the hassle of filling the necessary forms.
Getting the appropriate help is crucial to your success.
If you are looking for an affordable bankruptcy attorney, Maryland has a few good ones.
Get in touch with one of them and provide him or her with your financial information, including income, assets, and debt details.
The lawyer will prepare and file your paperwork and attend to hearings on your behalf as well.