Question 1

Can I file bankruptcy without a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you have a constitutional right to file bankruptcy without a lawyer (pro se). About 8-10% of Chapter 7 cases are filed pro se. Success rates are lower than attorney-filed cases but still substantial. Pro se filing works best for straightforward Chapter 7 cases with primarily unsecured debt and minimal assets.

Question 2

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy yourself?

Accepted Answer

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy yourself costs $338 for the court filing fee plus $30-50 for the two required credit counseling courses, for a total of approximately $370-390. Low-income filers can apply for a fee waiver, potentially reducing the cost to just the counseling courses. This compares to $1,400-$2,900 total when hiring an attorney.

Question 3

What forms do I need to file bankruptcy pro se?

Accepted Answer

For Chapter 7, you need approximately 23 official forms including the Voluntary Petition (Form 101), Schedules A/B through J (assets, liabilities, income, expenses), Statement of Financial Affairs (Form 107), means test forms (122A-1 or 122A-2), and the credit counseling certificate. All forms are free from the U.S. Courts website.

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