Legal Question in Bankruptcy in California

Re: bankruptcy

Bankruptcy attorneys are not permitted to collect fees AFTER the BK is filed, because they would be violating the "automatic stay" (since they are just another creditor). But the fees (starting at $995) do not have to be all paid at once - you can take your time gathering them up - since you won't be paying another penny to your creditors. Discharging your responsibility to pay thousands of dollars of debts is not free.

Re: bankruptcy

People have filed for bankruptcy protection on their own. They use books in the library. Nolo Press is a good one. Also, you might check with Legal Aid or other charitable legal assistance groups. The bankruptcy courts have a fee waiver program if you qualify, so you would not have to pay the court's fee. Many of the credit counseling providers have sliding scales for their fees. You'd have to check around.