Legal Question in Bankruptcy in California

I have no choice but to claim bankruptcy, but very little money to do so. I have no assets or anything so it is seemingly a very simple bankruptcy yet lawyers all seem to want to charge me like $2000, which I can't afford. How can I claim bankruptcy from my $25,000 of credit card debt without spending a ton of money that I don't have to do so?


Asked on 7/16/10, 4:40 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Tony Carballo Carballo Law Offices

If your case is so simple you should be able to find a lawyer that will do it for $1,000 plus costs. If you think you can handle it then go for it but bear in mind that you will need to spend a few hours in preparing the case because you will have to read the instructions, obtain the information required and get all the information in the right place on the forms. There are also paralegals that might be able to help you for about $150 if all you need is someone to fill out the forms. You might want to get the Nolo Press Chapter 7 bankruptcy book first and read it cover to cover before you do it so that you understand how to do it correctly and you can learn all the risks involved in doing it yourself.

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Answered on 7/16/10, 8:19 pm
Christopher Hewitt Law Office of Christopher Hewitt

I agree with the last answer as well. I would buy a Nolo book and consider filing pro se. There are many pitfalls, timelines, paperwork that must be filed etc. so its not an easy process to learn but you are not alone. You might also not exempt things properly and end up losing things and/or worse committing fraud inadvertently. It can be done but a lot of people fail at it and get there cases dismissed. I practice in a four federal districts in California and if my clients don't have properties to protect or car financing within 2 years and basically just unsecured debts then I will file a bankruptcy for $1000 dollars plus fee $299 to courts and credit counseling class. Feel free to call me if you want to discuss your case and get a fee quote.

Chris Hewitt

415-265-2917

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Answered on 7/19/10, 11:28 am


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