You are not required to have a lawyer when filing bankruptcy. Many people can handle filing without a bankruptcy lawyer. Situations that would most likely require the use of a bankruptcy attorney include businesses, married with spouse not filing, farmers, or when someone involved in the bankruptcy is being especially difficult to deal with.
The most asked question about bankruptcy lawyers is “How much will a lawyer cost?” Attorneys range greatly in price, but will most likely fall within the $750 - $1500 range depending on where you live the complexity of your case. You may see ads for $150 bankruptcy lawyers, but those prices usually only apply to the most simple cases and many times don’t include a thorough job. If you use a lawyer that is advertising cheap filing, make sure that you know what they will be providing ahead of time and plan accordingly.
Benefits to hiring a bankruptcy attorney include:
- You may be able to save more of your property
- Judges may take you more seriously
- Lawyers can serve as a buffer between you and creditors
- If your case becomes complicated, it can be advantageous to have an attorney familiar with your case