Legal Question in Bankruptcy in North Carolina

Try another lawyer. If a case is not complicated, many lawyers will reduce the fee. Offer the lawyer collateral such as a lien. Borrow the fee from family or friends. I doubt that you qualify for a filing fee waiver ($299) from the court. The legal fees are a matter between lawyer and client, subject to the approval of the court. It is possible to file yourself, it is called "a pro se filing" It is a tricky matter and you should seek assistance from a legal aid clinic, if they have someone who is familiar with bankruptcy. By the way, if Chase mentioned garnishment, or even the fact that it was collecting a debt without judgment, they have violated the fair claims collection act. You should at least muster the fees to consult a lawyer to determine what, when and how the creditors can reach your assets with and without bankruptcy.