Can you e-file pro se?

[Beeheery]

I have seen alot of people talking about attorney's electronically filing bankruptcy on behalf of their clients. I do not have the money $995.00 attorney fee, plus $299.00 file fee, plus $75.00 pre/post credit counseling fee so I want to file pro se and apply for a waiver of both the filing fee and credit counseling fee. Am I able to e-file if I am filing without an attorney, and if so, am I able to apply for a waiver for that or only if I file hard copy? Thanks in advance. Bye!

[aachudneymiles]

nope have to have a login etc that only lawyers have .... only lawyers can

[Beeheery]

Stupid question I know, but can I view my case on Pacer if I do not e-file? I don't even really know what Pacer is but I think I have an idea. Well, I have no idea really. So, yeah. LOL.

[FreshLikeADaisy]

Beeheery, you can download all the necessary forms in PDF format at the Middle District of Florida link I gave you -- it links to the uscourts.gov site and those are the forms you will need.

Before you take this on, do yourself a favor and buy the Nolo Press book, either at a bookstore or from nolo.com: it's the best $30 you'll spend whether you get an attorney or not.

If you file pro se (which this book will guide you through, though to be honest I think you need to avail yourself of some free attorney consults, given some of the issues you've raised in other threads) you will file paper forms down at the courthouse, no exception. BUT, you can still get a PACER account. It's the exact same system, but while attorneys use it to electronically file cases, you as a layman use it to view cases, including your own. Same system, different permissions. I do not believe it is possible for a layperson to get an ECF login (the part of PACER that allows you to file as well as view); out of curiosity I looked at it and you have to be a lawyer or work for one, if I remember correctly.

There are stickies all over this forum on both the Nolo Press book and on PACER, definitely read through them. I think you will find it to be valuable information. Good luck!

[FreshLikeADaisy]

P.S. And yes, you absolutely can request a waiver of the filing fee if you file with paper forms. However, you will have to cough up for the pre- and post-filing credit counseling and debtor education sessions; there is NO getting around that. Many have tried, most have failed. Unless you only speak Laotian and there's no Laotian speaking credit counselors approved for your district, you have to do it in order to file or it's an automatic dismissal of your bk case.

You definitely want to invest in that Nolo book.

[Beeheery]

Thanks! What Nolo book exactly? I know there are a few out there. I know there is one about the changes in chapter 7 ad one in general about filing bankruptcy. Do you happen to know the issue date and exact title or upc code? Thanks so much. I know there are a few on amazon.com right now but I dont know which one to purchase. Thanks!

[FreshLikeADaisy]

Here's that sticky (posts at the top of the forum that don't move) I referenced:

http://www.bkforum.com/showthread.php?t=7922

That should tell you everything you want to know. Good luck!!!

[aachudneymiles]

BEE I am pro se -- I just want to warn you without nolo you will be lost and it wasnt a dumb question.. its just that you need resources.. so feel free to ask alot of Q's you mite feel is dumb .. We will try our best to answer and point you in the right way... but like fresh nolo book first GOOD LUCK

[rilbrianne]

I agree, get the book. I got the book for filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. I believe that was the name, I got it from nolo.com and it was automatically sent to me via email. I am going to save it on disc. I also RESEARCHED A LOT through searching the web before filing.

I got FREE credit counseling because I knew that most of them offered free counseling if you just asked for it... meaning if you tell them you can't afford it, they'll waive the fee no questions asked. I really couldn't afford it.

Keep asking questions, no question is a dumb question. Good Luck!