Kalra Bankrupt Lawyer

Kalra Law Firm

Alternatives to Personal bankruptcy

Individuals who are encountering serious financial difficulties often think that insolvency is the primary way to solve their problems. While bankruptcy is definitely an option to think about, it may not be the only course to monetary security or the course that best fits your scenarios. A much less extreme option might permit you to get out from under your financial obligations sufficient to place your life back together. For example, if you are mainly worried concerning bothering actions by creditors, you may intend to discover your legal civil liberties under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and also parallel state regulations. You might be able to get a lender to stop or lower its efforts by filing an activity against it.

In other circumstances, a borrower that has some revenue or property could be able to develop a repayment plan with a financial institution that enables them to pay off a debt in smaller installments. They could likewise have the ability to work out the financial debt to a more convenient quantity. Many financial institutions recognize that they are not most likely to be paid back if a debtor files under Chapter 7, given that all or the majority of their properties likely will be excluded. This provides a lender or collection agency some motivation to choose a lower amount or offer you even more time to pay if you assume that your financial circumstance will certainly improve soon.

Help from Credit or Financial Obligation Counseling Agencies

If you would certainly prefer not to face a creditor or debt collector by yourself, you can consider obtaining assistance from a credit report or debt therapy company. These are non-profit entities that focus on aiding debtors repair their finances without declaring bankruptcy. You can find a checklist of agencies in your state that are authorized by the U.S. Trustee under the Credit Scores Therapy as well as Borrower Education section of its web site. (Even if you eventually decide that bankruptcy is your finest choice, you will be needed to finish a credit score counseling training course before declaring.).

A credit scores or financial debt therapy company can establish a financial obligation monitoring program that is similar somehow to a payment plan in a Chapter 13 insolvency. The primary reason to choose a debt management program over Phase 13 is that your credit rating record will disappoint a personal bankruptcy. Nonetheless, you ought to also understand drawbacks to utilizing a debt administration program. You probably will require to repay the full amount of your debts, and also you will certainly be vulnerable to collections initiatives as quickly as you miss out on a payment, whereas Phase 13 gives debtors some flexibility.

Not every debt or debt counseling firm is genuine. You should meticulously check out a business's performance history before enrolling in its services. If an offer to work out or remove your financial debts appears as well excellent to be true, it most likely is. More generally, credit history counseling agencies have been called into question because they obtain moneying from lenders, which can result in disputes of interest.
Judgment Proof Debtors.

If you have nearly no assets or earnings, you may be judgment evidence, which indicates that a creditor has absolutely nothing where to gather a financial debt. Even if a creditor obtains a judgment against you, they can not take away fundamental necessities of life to satisfy it. For example, you have a right to government benefits, unemployment benefits, food, apparel, and any other revenue or residential or commercial property needed to guarantee your basic health and wellness. You will not most likely to jail for rejecting to pay a debt, except in some unusual situations entailing youngster support or taxes. However, any type of judgment that a lender has actually gotten against you stays valid and can be imposed as quickly as you obtain possessions or income where it can gather.

Bankrupt Lawyer - Kalra Law Firm

Exactly how to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer

6 ideas to assist you hire the most effective personal injury legal representative for your situation

Working with the right individual to manage your legal instance is a challenging job. Whether you have been harmed in an automobile mishap or are having problem after a hip replacement surgical procedure, you want to make certain that the legal representative is the very best for the job.

Any individual can make a slick and expert website, so just how do you know who's actually qualified? And where should you start the search?

We asked a variety of lawyers in the Enjuris network just how they would advise looking for, vetting and also employing a legal representative Right here is what they claimed.
1. Ask family and friends to refer their injury lawyer.

Word of mouth is not going away. The recommended way to locate a great accident legal representative is to ask loved ones for a recommendation to a lawyer who represented them in the past.
That to ask to find attorneys: good friends, Google, Facebook, directory sites. On the internet testimonials are the new word of mouth. Tweet this

Keith M. Fletcher, a partner with Simmons and also Fletcher in Houston, Texas, stated, "There are many injury legal representatives marketing anywhere from television to online now, as well as there is very little regulation. The best method to discover an accident attorney is to speak to individuals you count on who have actually had a positive experience ...".

His recommendation? Ask a pastor or somebody else centrally located in your area. "They recognize a lot of individuals and are trusted with personal details, so they will become aware of the excellent as well as disappointments when individuals are experiencing lawful obstacles.".

Sean M. Cleary, a lawyer in Miami, Florida, said, "Normally, people get sent to the ideal legal representative when they most likely to somebody they trust ... Obtain a word-of-mouth referral from a relied on expert like an accountant, medical professional, and even a neighbor, somebody who's had personal experience with their attorney as well as highly advises them since that attorney communicated with them, came and also did a great task. You can likewise do some more study, take a look at the reviews for the legal representative online, see what turns up concerning the firm and the attorney, and review what others claim.".

Claims George Lorenzo of Lorenzo & Lorenzo, an injury law firm in Tampa, Florida, "After you've done some study and have a couple of lawyers you want to contact, try a simple call. Yes, you can generally submit your instance by means of web sites nowadays, yet when you call their workplaces, you'll see how they operate and also if the office is a good suitable for you. For example, at our company, every staff member speaks Spanish and also hence our Hispanic clientele really feel right in your home.".
2. Make sure to review fees before signing.

Claims Neal Davis of the Neal Davis Law firm in Houston, Texas, "It's constantly essential to ask about fees in advance. Transparency is essential in any type of substantial monetary purchase, and that includes your lawyer. Constantly get any type of fee arrangement in creating.".

Accident attorneys usually service backup, getting about a third of the eventual negotiation or judgment, plus workplace expenditures. No matter, clarify what the legal representative means when he or she states "no fee if no recovery." See to it you comprehend the attorney's charges from the start.
3. Research study lawyers online.

Research study different lawyers online. Make sure they are qualified and in excellent standing in the state where the accident took place.

Every state has its own neighborhood bar organization, and all lawyers are registered in their data sources. You can examine their bar standing and also whether they have actually been approved or if any corrective measures have been leveled against them.

Stephanie Hoffer, a companion with Hoffer & Sheremet, a law office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, claimed, "Do not choose a lawyer based upon decision numbers provided on a web site. Every instance is different, and also the quantity of damages in your case depends upon numerous aspects. Spend time speaking with the attorney before you hire him or her. You two will be spending a great deal of time together-- ensure you like each other!".
4. Listen to your intestine.

" Select the injury lawyer that truly respects you as a person as well as your lasting wellness," encourages Evan Guthrie, an injury attorney in Charleston, South Carolina. "Some attorneys might care extra concerning the worth of the instance over making the decisions that will profit the customer in their recuperation. The attorney needs to additionally be genuine as well as sincere concerning the weaker parts of the case in advance instead of accentuating the toughness of the instance. Count on your sixth sense when choosing an attorney. If it does not feel right, carry on to one more attorney right away even if depiction has actually already begun.".
5. Figure out the degree of the lawyer's training.

Find out the level of their training in addition to their legal experience.

Some excellent questions are, "The length of time have you been exercising?" "What portion of your instances involves ___________?" "Will you personally handle my situation or commend an associate?".

Eric Ramos, that helms a regulation office in San Antonio, Texas, kept in mind that this is essential. "Learn if the lawyer you're contacting is actually the lawyer that will certainly represent you. A number of the lawyers that market in my city run numerous television commercials claiming they'll fight for you. It's popular in the lawful area that a lot of these gents have actually never tried an instance and simply refer every little thing out to the genuine litigators.".
6. Ask if they will certainly manage your case personally.

Along the exact same lines as above, make certain the attorney you speak to is the one that will be managing your case.

Steven M. Sweat, a lawyer in Los Angeles, The golden state, concurs. "Ensure you speak with the lawyer that will be managing your situation personally before hiring them. If the lawyer can not take five mins out of their day to talk to you directly rather than having an assistant, legal assistant or intake person do all the talking, then what type of focus to you think they are mosting likely to provide to working your situation?".

Bankrupt Lawyer - Kalra Law Firm
Alternatives To Bankruptcies - Kalra Law Firm

Alternatives To Bankruptcies - Kalra Law Firm

Just how Do I Locate a Legal representative?

You've thought of it carefully as well as you've decided that you need to speak to a legal representative. The huge problem is-- exactly how to locate one? This area will certainly give you some pointers on what to look for when choosing a lawyer, as well as lead you through some inquiries you can ask a legal representative when you first meet. If you do your homework, you can employ the lawyer that has the experience and competence to assist you with your trouble.

Most people do not have a "normal" attorney, in the sense that they have one or more physicians that they see at the very least each year. So just how do you discover the lawyer who's right for you? Where do you turn for recommendations?
What should I search for when picking a lawyer?

The lawyer will be aiding you address your troubles, so the initial certification is that you must really feel comfortable sufficient to tell him or her, honestly as well as completely, all the truths necessary to fix your problem. No one you pay attention to and also absolutely nothing you read will have the ability to assure that a certain attorney will certainly be the very best for you; you have to evaluate that for yourself.
Exist any practical factors to consider to bear in mind when choosing a legal representative?

Yes, the legal representative's area of competence and prior experience are essential. Many states have field of expertise programs that certify legal representatives as specialists in particular types of law. Some lawful specializeds also have actually produced their own certification programs, such as the National Organization of Estate Planners and Councils, and the National Elder Legislation Structure. You might also wish to inquire about the kind of situations your lawyer normally manages. What is the failure of that legal representative's technique (e.g. 50 percent personal injury situations, 25 percent divorce instances as well as 25 percent "other.") Remember that most legal representatives are not certified in a specialized, yet that does not always indicate that a particular legal representative is not a professional in a certain area, specifically where an attorney takes care of a high volume of cases in a certain practice area.

Other considerations are the comfort of the lawyer's workplace place, fees billed, as well as the length of time an instance might take.
Where should I start to look for an attorney?

There are numerous methods to discover a dependable attorney. Among the best is a suggestion from a trusted good friend, loved one, or organization affiliate. Realize, nonetheless, that each legal case is different which a legal representative who is right for someone else may not fit you or your legal trouble.
Are promotions an excellent location to look for an attorney?

In some ways, yes, advertisements work. However, constantly beware about thinking everything you review as well as listen to-- and nowhere is this more accurate than with promotions. Paper, telephone directory, radio, tv, and Internet ads, together with direct mail, can make you familiar with the names of lawyers that may be appropriate for your lawful needs. Some advertisements additionally will certainly aid you establish an attorney's location of proficiency. Various other ads will certainly estimate a fee or cost array for managing a particular type of "easy" case. Bear in mind that your situation may not have an easy service. If a legal representative estimates a cost, be particular you know specifically what services as well as expenditures the cost does and also does not include.
What regarding a neighborhood reference service?

Many communities have referral solutions to aid people discover attorneys. You could be able to locate them under "Lawyer Reference Service" or something similar in your yellow pages. These services typically recommend a legal representative in the location to assess a circumstance. Numerous services provide aid to teams with one-of-a-kind qualities, such as the senior, immigrants, victims of residential physical violence, or persons with an impairment.

Bar organizations in a lot of communities make recommendations according to particular locations of legislation, helping you find a legal representative with the ideal experience as well as technique focus. Several referral services also have expertise demands for attorneys who desire to have references in a certain area of legislation. You can discover your regional bar organization in the telephone directory's white pages either under your community's name ("Centerville Bar Association") or under your area's name ("Cass County Bar Organization"). You can likewise find your bar's internet site via your favorite search engine, or via the ABA's interactive state-by-state lawyer-referral directory site.

Still, these services are not a surefire way to find the very best legal representative or the appropriate attorney for you. Some services make references without concern for the legal representative's kind or level of experience. You might want to look for a legal representative referral service that participates in the American Bar Association-sponsored accreditation program, which utilizes a logo to determine legal representative recommendation programs that abide by specific top quality requirements established by the ABA.
My brand-new task uses a pre-paid lawful services strategy. What can I expect?

Legal solutions, like lots of other things, are often cheaper when bought in bulk. Some employers, labor and credit unions, and other teams have formed "legal insurance policy" plans. These plans vary. Lots of cover most, if not all, of the expense of lawful examinations, file prep work, and also court depiction in routine lawful issues. Various other programs cover just suggestions as well as consultation with an attorney. Prior to signing up with a legal plan, see to it you know with its insurance coverage and know whether you will certainly be called for to make out-of-pocket payments. These team prepares comply with the exact same pattern as group or participating medical insurance coverage strategies. Companies or unions set up a fund to pay the workers' lawful fees, with the employee occasionally adding a little co-payment. Lawful group strategies have ended up being a lot more widespread over the last few years. Some retail chain store and also charge card firms also provide such plans to their consumers.
I want to work with a legal representative, however I do not have much cash. Where can I locate low-cost lawful assistance?

Several legal assistance programs offer inexpensive or free lawful services to those in need. Look in the yellow web pages under topics such as "lawful centers," "lawful help," or "legal guidance," or search online. Most lawful aid programs have unique guidelines for eligibility, frequently based on where you live, the dimension of your household, and also your earnings. Some lawful help offices have their own personnel lawyers, as well as others operate with volunteer lawyers. Note that people do not have a right to a cost-free legal representative in civil lawful matters.
I have been accused of a criminal offense, as well as I can not pay for a legal representative. What can I do?

If you are implicated of a criminal activity, the UNITED STATE Constitution assures you the right to be represented by a legal representative in any case in which you could be put behind bars for six months or more. State constitutions may ensure your right to a legal representative for lower crimes. If you can not afford a lawyer, either the judge listening to the case will certainly assign a private legal representative to represent you cost free or the federal government's public protector will certainly manage your instance, also at on the house.
Besides court-appointed defenders, exists any other form of government assistance available?

Departments and also companies of both the state as well as federal governments often have staff attorneys that can assist the public in restricted scenarios, without charge. Take into consideration contacting the appropriate government agency if you have certain problems, such as environmental protection troubles or discrimination in work or housing.

Your State's Chief law officer likewise may give assistance to the general public on state laws, without charge. Some states, as an example, preserve customer security departments as a feature of the Attorney general of the United States's office. Similarly, via their legislation departments, regions, cities, as well as municipalities commonly have federal government attorneys that might give the general public with guidance regarding neighborhood legislations. Several of these regional offices additionally offer customer protection aid. To find such agencies, check the federal government listings in your phonebook or using your favorite search engine on the net.

Why Hire A Bankrupt Lawyer

What Are My Alternatives If I Can't Pay For a Bankruptcy Lawyer?

Learn more about your options if you can not afford to pay insolvency attorneys' charges.



An experienced bankruptcy attorney can supply you with legal guidance, prepare your insolvency documentation, and guide you via the insolvency process. Yet these solutions come at a cost. If you can't afford to pay the costs, you could be able to:

represent yourself as a "pro se" debtor
bargain minimized attorneys' costs
pay your costs via your Chapter 13 repayment strategy
look for aid from a complimentary legal clinic or legal help culture, or
find a pro bono lawyer that will certainly take your situation cost free.

Discover suggestions for choosing an experienced bankruptcy lawyer.

Represent Yourself in Personal bankruptcy

You don't need to have an attorney to declare bankruptcy. But whether it would certainly remain in your best interest to employ one will certainly depend on:

the type of bankruptcy you wish to file
the complexity of your case, and
if you're willing to do the research needed.

Find out more regarding declaring insolvency without a lawyer.

Basic Phase 7 bankruptcies. Filers with little or no income or properties, and no other issues that may make complex an insolvency may be able to file on their own. Yet also an easy Phase 7 insolvency needs a considerable amount of time and study. If you aren't willing to make the needed dedication, you risk having your bankruptcy rejected. You can also place your building at risk. At a minimum, if you intend to submit without a lawyer, get a self-help publication such as Nolo's Exactly how to Declare Phase 7 Bankruptcy.

Challenging Chapter 7 and also Phase 13 insolvencies. Intricate Chapter 7 cases and almost all Chapter 13 bankruptcies call for extensive expertise of personal bankruptcy regulation and also have many mistakes for inexperienced filers. For these reasons, it would certainly remain in your best interest to employ a bankruptcy lawyer. Oftentimes, you can pay a good portion of your lawyers' costs through your Phase 13 repayment plan. Even if you can't manage a bankruptcy lawyer, think about speaking to a lawyer. Numerous attorneys offer free consultations. You can find out about hidden dangers your situation may present.

Discuss Reduced Attorneys' Fees

If you can't afford the priced quote charges, you can attempt using the attorney the amount you can pay. The attorney could agree to approve your case-- specifically if your income is reduced. Likewise, attempt searching. Other neighborhood attorneys may charge less.

Speak with a Free Legal Center or Legal Help Society

Several free lawful clinics and also legal aid societies help low-income individuals with lawful requirements. Additionally, some personal bankruptcy courts as well as law schools have facilities or information centers created to aid self-represented borrowers with their situations. You can utilize the united state Court Federal Court Finder to find your regional bankruptcy court.

Discover a Pro Bono Attorney

Some attorneys take on a particular variety of instances pro bono (free of charge or at a substantially minimized price) annually. If you don't have the ways to pay for the services of a personal bankruptcy attorney, you might be able to find an attorney to take your instance done for free. You can typically discover more info on pro bono attorneys online, with your state bar, a local bar organization, or by speaking with lawyers in your area. Or start with the American Insolvency Institute's Done for free Locator.

Kalra Bankrupt Lawyer
Why Hire A Bankrupt Lawyer
Kalra Bankrupt Lawyer
Kalra Bankrupt Lawyer

What Ought to I Get out of My Bankruptcy Lawyer

What does a personal bankruptcy legal representative do? If you hire a Chapter 7 or Phase 13 insolvency lawyer, right here's what that lawyer needs to provide for you.

Filing for bankruptcy is a terrific method to extricate burdensome financial debt, and also many people really feel a remarkable feeling of relief when their bankruptcy situation is over. However recognizing the procedure as well as filling in the bankruptcy kinds can be intimidating.

That's where a personal bankruptcy legal representative is available in. Not just will you receive legal advice, but a bankruptcy lawyer will certainly handle the documentation from start to finish. Below are several of one of the most typical sorts of solutions you can expect from your bankruptcy lawyer.

( Not exactly sure how much you should pay? Begin by checking out Average Lawyer Costs in Phase 7 Bankruptcy.).
Anticipate Skills From Your Personal Bankruptcy Legal representative.

Not all bankruptcy instances are made complex, but they aren't all simple, either. Regardless, your personal bankruptcy legal representative ought to have the skill degree necessary to manage your case.

Generally, the problem of your insolvency will rely on:.

the realities of your case.
whether you apply for Phase 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
whether the insolvency trustee will certainly offer any of your property (an asset or "no property" personal bankruptcy case).
if you have a small business, as well as.
the involvement of insolvency lawsuits.

One method to find out if it's an excellent fit is to to ask whether the attorney has actually stood for customers in similar scenarios in the past.
Anticipate Audio Legal Suggestions From Your Personal Bankruptcy Legal representative.

In general, your retainer arrangement (the agreement you as well as your attorney sign) will detail the services your personal bankruptcy attorney will certainly give. Your attorney's work is likewise to offer you with qualified advice throughout the insolvency procedure.

First, you can expect your lawyer to inform you whether filing for personal bankruptcy would remain in your benefit. If it is, you need to additionally find out:.

whether Chapter 7, Phase 13, or an additional kind will help you accomplish your financial objectives.
what you can expect during the bankruptcy procedure, and also.
whether your situation includes any kind of particular difficulties or dangers.

Most importantly, if you have any inquiries, you can expect your lawyer to respond to your telephone calls or emails quickly.
Anticipate Your Bankruptcy Lawyer to Prepare and also Submit Your Paperwork.

Declare bankruptcy needs you to complete a prolonged packet of types. Almost all insolvency attorneys have actually specialized software program that prepares as well as submits your needed insolvency documentation with the court.

You'll give your lawyer with every one of your monetary details, such as earnings, expenditure, possession, and also financial debt info. Your attorney will use it to prepare the main kinds and then review the finished documentation with you to guarantee precision.

You could need to offer additional forms or documents with the court or the trustee, also. Your lawyer will see to it to do so promptly because missing out on a personal bankruptcy target date can trigger:.

delays at the same time.
termination of your case, or.
various other unfavorable repercussions.

For these reasons, one of the duties of your insolvency lawyer is to know the regional regulations and filing procedures.
Expect Your Insolvency Legal Representative to Represent You at Hearings.

After filing for personal bankruptcy, all debtors should participate in a necessary hearing called the 341 conference of creditors. However, relying on your instance, you (or your lawyer) may need to go to extra hearings.

Some typical types of hearings you can expect your attorney to represent you at:.

Phase 13 confirmation hearings.
Phase 7 reaffirmation hearings, as well as.
any other activity or objection hearings filed by you, your creditors, or the trustee.

In many cases, before you submit your personal bankruptcy situation, your lawyer will certainly have the ability to suggest you regarding the hearings you can anticipate participating in.

Bankrupt Law Firm - Kalra Law

5 Tips for Talking With an Attorney

We get it. No person intends to speak to lawyers. However there comes a time in everybody's life-- whether it be excellent information (marriage) or bad news (divorce)-- when you'll need to talk to an attorney. And when that time comes, there are a few tips you ought to consider to make the legal process a lot easier as well as less painful for both you and your lawyer.

But wait! You may be believing, "Isn't that what I pay my legal representative for?" Not quite. Consider this: Envision having a toothache (ouch). Normally, you 'd most likely to your dental expert, that would certainly ask a number of standard concerns like, "Where does it injure?" or "What medicines have you been using to lower the discomfort?" Currently, think of if you just stated, "I don't know" to all those inquiries. It might sound strange however lawyers resemble dental professionals. Or, actually, like any type of experts that try to help you aid yourself. They can just do so much without your advice. It takes team effort.

Though legal representatives, necessarily, are skilled in the landscape of law, you require to provide history information (details, first-hand accounts, papers, and so on) so they can efficiently guide with the long and also winding legal road without making any individual sick along the way.

So are you prepared to talk with your attorney? Here are 5 practical tips to guarantee a positive experience as well as (ideally) an effective outcome.
1. Get organized

Attempt to create a clear, detailed story of your scenario. As an example, if it's an event-related event (e.g. traffic ticket), you should make sure you write down everything that occurred, from start to finish, in sequential order. Create a folder of pertinent lawful documents. Obtain a contact listing of the witnesses on the scene. Simply do not unload an overload of scattered info on your inadequate legal representative to iron out themselves.
2. Be described

Apparently unimportant information like the weather condition may, in the beginning, appear dismissible. Yet in the eyes of the legislation, every detail issues; every variable has the prospective to aid your case. As well as given that your lawyer does not follow your every relocation (we definitely really hope not!), it's your duty to be your lawyer's eyes and also ears so they are checking out the entire (and also most notably, precise) photo. Provide specifics (names, days, as well as precise occurrences) and also valid details to produce that crystal clear sight.
3. Be truthful

Ordinary and straightforward: Don't lie. Bear in mind that you and also your lawyer get on the exact same group. Your legal representative can not share secret information with any individual unless you give them permission to do so. When you start omitting relevant truths or including fictitious information to your story, it'll only hurt you ultimately. Be prepared to describe whatever to your lawyer-- the great as well as the negative. This will help them give you the best advice as well as advice to ensure the very best possible outcome.
4. Ask to make clear

If you find yourself puzzled by all the legal lingo you hear, that's alright. The legislation can get complicated, and also this is not the moment to guess at definitions or pretend to understand legalese. Just allow your attorney recognize, as well as they must do their best to explain things in layperson's terms. Obtaining an explanation or more may go a long way toward putting your mind secure-- and help your attorney do a better job of handling your situation. It's both you and your legal representative's work to completely comprehend your legal circumstance.
5. Keep them informed

Things are bound to transform. As well as when they do, it's important to upgrade your legal representative. Each small detail or advancement can considerably change your lawful scenario-- for much better or for even worse. Some legal scenarios may take a longer time to solve so it's best to keep in contact with your lawyer as brand-new pertinent updates turn up.

So what's the most significant takeaway? You don't have to go via this legal process yourself. We're right close to you, every step of the way. We have countless lawful documents and also kinds to pick from to personalize for your particular need. As soon as you've personalized your document, you can craft an inquiry for our network of Rocket Lawyer On Call ® lawyers. The concern will then be affixed to the record you simply completed-- for referral as well as information.

You can ask the attorney to review what you've done, clarify on the right next steps, or perhaps to simply relieve your concerns, like "Is this the right file for my circumstance?" You'll obtain your answer within one service day and also before you understand it, you'll get on your method-- with a finished lawful file as well as newfound understanding of just how to talk to your lawyer.

Bankrupt Law Firm - Kalra Law

Frequently Asked Questions

Kalra Law Firm:

Individuals applying for bankruptcy can do so without an attorney. And also, if your case is straightforward, representing on your own may save you lawyers' costs. Nonetheless, it isn't always a good idea. If your Chapter 7 case entails valuable possessions, or if you want to apply for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, filing without an attorney can cost you more than you would certainly save going it alone.