The Context Machine

Filing an online bankruptcy is appealing, but you can’t actually do it unless you are an attorney. You can order bankruptcy forms online, use online software to help you fill out those forms or find a bankruptcy attorney to complete you petition and file it online - but if you prepare your forms by yourself you cannot submit them online.

Each court requires a different amount of copies to be filed in addition to your petition and each court has different rules for the creditor matrix as well.

Do It Yourself - If you plan on filling out the bankruptcy forms yourself, you will need to research and find the information applicable to your state and to the local courthouse you are zoned for. It will also be important to find out what the bankruptcy exemptions are in your state to use to protect your property.

You will also need to represent yourself at your 341 meeting if you file pro se. While you can represent yourself, you need to make sure you know the laws in order to protect your property.

Hire An Attorney - Hiring a bankruptcy attorney is also an option, they will look over your assets, debts and income, inform you which chapter of bankruptcy fits your situation, after gathering your information they will fill out the bankruptcy petition and file it at the courthouse.

Your attorney will also be responsible for representing you at the 341 meeting. Hiring an attorney is the easiest option for saving you aggravation, but the trade off is that the cost is much higher - and for those who can’t pay basic expenses, paying for an attorney may not be possible.