Is Filing Bankruptcy Online a Good Idea?

If you are planning to file bankruptcy you need to put a plan of action together in order to execute the bankruptcy effectively. While you can file bankruptcy online, that may not necessarily be the best idea since motions and other court documents must be completed in a specific manner for your bankruptcy to be accepted by the court.

The Process of Filing for Bankruptcy

When you file for bankruptcy you can either do it on your own or you can go to an attorney and have him or her handle all of the processing for you.  Most people who are interested in filing bankruptcy online do so because they want to avoid having an attorney. If you go this route, you will need to ensure that the bankruptcy forms filed online are valid. All creditors must be listed and all other relevant details must be included- if you do something wrong, your bankruptcy may not be accepted or may not include all of your debts.

Why You Shouldn't File Online

Depending on the state in which you file your bankruptcy, you may still need to consult with a bankruptcy attorney regardless of whether you file online or in person.  While the bankruptcy kits online give you detailed instructions on how to do your own bankruptcy from inception to finish, the reality remains that if make a mistake, you could jeopardize your bankruptcy. So, if you are unsure or if this is your first bankruptcy, then you should have an attorney on deck to help you out.  This is a good option because an attorney will make sure that no mistakes are made and that you do not wind up losing any of your much needed assets. 

Once you retain legal assistance whether through an attorney or a legal clinic you will be well on your way to turning a new leaf financially.  Just keep in mind that the bulk of what you need to do will be done between your home and the bankruptcy courthouse or a lawyer’s office (if you so choose). 

Getting Help

The process of bankruptcy does not really take that long to accomplish and is quite straightforward as compared to other court matters.  Filing fees and deadlines are pre-determined based on the state in which you live in, but otherwise the process is simple.  Just file  the paperwork (correctly), pay your fees, attend a 341 meeting with your creditors, and then wait for the judge’s ruling on the matter. Getting the help of an attorney can ensure you do all this correctly and that the process will be smooth.