Is it possible to file for BK if you can't pay the attorney fees?

[KevFinnerty]

SSIA (subject says it all)

I'm broke, considering chpt 7 as I explore options, but if I can't pay attorney what is the point of even thinking about it??? (I am not comfortable trying to go through it on my own without an atty)

[kartoons19]

You can check with Legal Aid in your area. They provide low-cost and no-cost services if you qualify. Not sure if they handle BKs, but it may be worth a call. Good luck to you.

[KevFinnerty]

Thanks.

I don't know exactly what "legal aid" (state program? federal? what?) is but I will investigate it.

[kartoons19]

This site may help: http://legalaid.uslegal.com/.

Another possible option is if you have a University (Law School) in your area they may also offer low cost services, but not sure if they handle BKs.

[lrprn]

If you are still paying your credit cards and any other payments for secured assets you don't intend to keep if you file, stop making those payments immediately and start saving up to hire a bk lawyer.

If you've already stopped paying your unsecured debts and asset payments you intend to surrender and still can't afford to save up enough to pay an attorney's fee over several months, then filing bk may not be enough to get you back on your feet financially and keep you there.

Legal Aid offices are present in bigger cities and towns. You can find out if your town has an Legal Aid office by checking their website at http://legalaid.uslegal.com/ and check the link for your state, or by looking in the white pages in your town's phone directory. If you truly are indigent, Legal Aid will represent you pro bono (at reduced or no cost) to help file your bankruptcy.

If you live in a town with a university that has a law program, sometimes professors will take on your case at a reduced fee to help law students learn from your case. That's worth a try as well.

[KevFinnerty]

Thanks very much.

[AngelinaCatHub]

Kev, if you are this indigent, filing at all will not help you. First get yourself financially improved as if you are this broke, how are you eating, living, traveling? Are you working at all? If not, there is still day labor pools around and you get paid daily.

If you have nothing to lose anyway, what can they sue you for. Oh they will probably sue you anyway, but you are not collectible. Avoid Judgments if at all possible to protect your future improvements, but don't worry now about filing until you have something to support you better. I know jobs are tough now days, but you have a computer. Perhaps put it to work transcribing peoples genealogy documents or the like. Best I can think of now but I see no use in you bk-ing if you are that down. Being poor does have some advantages. 'Hub