Do I need a lawyer to file my NJ bankruptcy?

A:

People in financial distress do not have money.  Seems rather obvious, but many times people feel that bankruptcy is beyond their reach because they do not have the money to hire an attorney to handle it for them.  They find themself wondering if they can handle it themselves.  My advice is, hire a lawyer.  You might not need one, but you should have one.  Since the laws changed in 2005, the bankruptcy petition preparation process has become more complex, and there are too many opportunities to make mistakes that could cause you serious problems.

Can I handle it myself?  How hard can it be?  Well, plenty, actually, especially if you are in an upper income bracket and are considered "over the median" in means testing.  There is more to bankruptcy than just declaring it.

I have represented more than one client who started out on their own and realized that they had stepped into a mess when they met with their trustee.  Income and expense statements were wrong; creditors or assets were left out; the means testing calculations were off.    Attorneys, including myself, handle bankruptcies on a flat fee and offer a free consultation.

If you are thinking about bankruptcy and wondering if you can afford to have an attorney handle it for you, I offer a free consultation to New Jersey residents considering this option.  You might find out that representation is not beyond your reach.  You can get into a payment plan or use some of your tax refund,  for example.  Contact my office for an appointment, and I will do whatever possible to help you.

Have more questions about bankruptcy?  Get the answers to the most frequently asked questions by downloading my free book, Top Questions People Ask About Filing Bankruptcy in New Jersey.  It will give you the answers you need all in one place.  Then call me at 888-857-8418 or contact me through this site for an appointment for a free consultation to discuss your case.