How to File Bankruptcy: Choosing to File on Your Own or with an Attorney

After you've made the decision to get out of debt and use bankruptcy to do so, you have another big decision coming your way. What approach will you take? You can file by yourself or with an attorney. How do you know which one is best for your financial situation?Filing bankruptcy by yourself sometimes seems like the best option. Isn't doing it by yourself easier and cheaper? Unfortunately, it is not necessarily either. To begin filing by yourself, you must decide whether you are even eligible to file bankruptcy and which chapter would best suit your needs.

After that, you need to attend court hearings, prepare documents, and file your case with the court, all the while managing to follow the strict rules.

While you may think that all sounds like the hard part, the worst of it is fielding any problems that arise in your case throughout the life of your bankruptcy.

There are several common mistakes that prevent debtors from getting their discharge. If you have determined that filing on your own is the best option, don't sell yourself short. Do ample amounts of research before jumping in.

Often, a debtor will begin a bankruptcy case on their own but turn to a bankruptcy attorney for help quickly.

Filing with a bankruptcy attorney is certainly the easier option—as long as you've hired a great bankruptcy lawyer to handle your case. Hiring an inexperienced or cheap lawyer can do just as much damage to your case as trying to handle it on your own.

But, if you hired a great lawyer, he or she can represent you with the court, make sure your case is filed correctly, and field any obstacles that arise. The best part is that you don't have to break a sweat.

The reality is that if bankruptcy attorneys weren't needed, they wouldn't exist. It is natural to be unsure if you need an attorney or not—especially if you are looking for the cheapest option. However, making a mistake when filing by yourself may very well cost you more money--if not your case itself.

Weigh your options and do the research necessary to make the best decision. I know that you won't regret taking the time to save your financial future the right way.