Legal Question in Bankruptcy in California

Filing a BK Petition

Can an attorney who needs to file bankruptcy, file his or her own bk petition? Or does another attorney need to do that for them on their behalf?


Asked on 3/17/09, 1:36 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Carl Starrett Law Offices of Carl H. Starrett II

Re: Filing a BK Petition

You have probably heard the saying that an attorney who argues his own case has a fool for a client. Any person can act without an attorney to file a bankruptcy, including an attorney. It just isn't a particularly good idea.

A podiatrist might know enough cancer to engage in a course of self treatment, but the podiatrist is better off seeing an oncologist. A personal injury attorney might be a really good litigator, but that doesn't mean they are qualified to acts as their own attorney in bankruptcy court.

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Answered on 3/17/09, 1:52 pm
David Gibbs The Gibbs Law Firm, APC

Re: Filing a BK Petition

I'd have to agree with Attorney Starrett. Yes, it can be done, but is it wise to do? Attorneys fees in most consumer bankruptcies are not excessive - to a degree they are limited by the Courts who will challenge any attorneys fees exceeding established standards. A second factor to consider is the fact that you will be held to a much higher standard than any other pro se debtor, and expected to know and comply with all of the intricacies of post-BAPCPA bankruptcy filings. Much of what the Trustee's expect from debtors is not necessarily written in the rules of procedure, local rules or otherwise, and is knowledge gained through experience only. I personally wouldn't represent myself in a bankruptcy, and I work in this field.

*Due to the limitations of the LawGuru Forums, The Gibbs Law Firm, APC's (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided is general and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.

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Answered on 3/17/09, 2:00 pm


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