Kalra Law Firm

Kalra Law Firm

Alternatives to Bankruptcy

Individuals who are encountering extreme economic difficulties frequently think that bankruptcy is the main way to fix their troubles. While bankruptcy is certainly a choice to take into consideration, it may not be the only course to economic security or the path that ideal fits your circumstances. A much less extreme option might enable you to get out from under your financial debts sufficient to put your life back together. For example, if you are primarily worried concerning pestering activities by financial institutions, you may wish to discover your lawful civil liberties under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and parallel state laws. You might be able to get a lender to stop or reduce its efforts by filing an action against it.

In other scenarios, a borrower who has some earnings or building may be able to create a payment plan with a financial institution that allows them to repay a debt in smaller installations. They could also be able to discuss the financial obligation to a much more convenient amount. Lots of financial institutions understand that they are not likely to be repaid if a debtor data under Phase 7, since all or most of their assets likely will be exempt. This provides a financial institution or collection agency some inspiration to choose a lesser quantity or give you more time to pay if you believe that your monetary situation will certainly enhance soon.

Assistance from Credit Rating or Financial Debt Counseling Agencies

If you would certainly choose not to confront a lender or debt collection agency by yourself, you can take into consideration obtaining aid from a credit report or debt therapy firm. These are non-profit entities that specialize in assisting borrowers repair their financial resources without filing for insolvency. You can locate a listing of agencies in your state that are accepted by the united state Trustee under the Credit Report Therapy and Borrower Education area of its site. (Even if you eventually determine that personal bankruptcy is your finest option, you will be called for to complete a credit scores counseling training course before filing.).

A debt or financial obligation counseling firm can create a financial debt monitoring program that is comparable somehow to a settlement strategy in a Phase 13 insolvency. The main reason to pick a financial debt monitoring program over Chapter 13 is that your debt document will certainly disappoint a bankruptcy. Nevertheless, you ought to likewise understand downsides to making use of a financial obligation monitoring program. You most likely will require to pay back the total of your financial obligations, and you will be susceptible to collections initiatives as quickly as you miss a repayment, whereas Phase 13 provides borrowers some adaptability.

Not every credit report or financial obligation therapy agency is genuine. You ought to thoroughly explore a company's track record prior to enrolling in its solutions. If a deal to settle or eliminate your debts appears as well excellent to be true, it possibly is. More generally, credit history counseling firms have actually been called into question due to the fact that they get funding from creditors, which could bring about conflicts of passion.
Judgment Proof Debtors.

If you have almost no possessions or revenue, you may be judgment evidence, which indicates that a lender has absolutely nothing where to accumulate a financial debt. Even if a creditor obtains a judgment against you, they can not eliminate basic necessities of life to satisfy it. As an example, you have a right to federal government advantages, unemployment insurance, food, apparel, and also any other revenue or residential or commercial property needed to guarantee your basic health and wellness. You will certainly not most likely to prison for rejecting to pay a debt, except in some rare instances entailing child support or taxes. Nonetheless, any kind of judgment that a lender has obtained versus you stays valid and can be imposed as soon as you get properties or revenue from which it can gather.

Bankrupt Lawyer - Kalra Law Firm

Exactly how to Discover an Injury Lawyer

6 ideas to assist you hire the best accident lawyer for your situation

Hiring the right individual to manage your legal situation is a difficult task. Whether you have been harmed in a vehicle crash or are having difficulty after a hip substitute surgical treatment, you wish to make sure that the attorney is the best for the task.

Anybody can make a slick and specialist web site, so just how do you know who's truly certified? And also where should you start the search?

We asked a variety of attorneys in the Enjuris network just how they would advise searching for, vetting and also working with a lawyer Right here is what they said.
1. Ask friends and family to refer their injury attorney.

Word of mouth is not vanishing. The recommended way to discover an excellent accident lawyer is to ask loved ones for a referral to a lawyer that represented them in the past.
Who to ask to find attorneys: friends, Google, Facebook, directory sites. On-line reviews are the new word of mouth. Tweet this

Keith M. Fletcher, a companion with Simmons as well as Fletcher in Houston, Texas, stated, "There are a lot of personal injury attorneys marketing almost everywhere from television to online currently, and there is really little policy. The best way to discover a personal injury legal representative is to speak to people you trust who have had a positive experience ...".

His suggestion? Ask a priest or someone else centrally located in your neighborhood. "They know a lot of individuals and are relied on with individual details, so they will become aware of the good and also disappointments when people are experiencing legal difficulties.".

Sean M. Cleary, a lawyer in Miami, Florida, stated, "Generally, people get sent to the appropriate lawyer when they most likely to someone they rely on ... Obtain a word-of-mouth reference from a relied on professional like an accountant, doctor, or perhaps a next-door neighbor, somebody who's had personal experience with their attorney and also extremely recommends them since that attorney interacted with them, was accessible as well as did a wonderful task. You can likewise do some more study, have a look at the reviews for the attorney online, see what pops up about the company as well as the lawyer, as well as review what others claim.".

Says George Lorenzo of Lorenzo & Lorenzo, an injury law practice in Tampa bay, Florida, "After you've done some research study and have a few legal representatives you would love to get in touch with, attempt a basic telephone call. Yes, you can typically submit your situation by means of websites nowadays, yet when you call their offices, you'll see how they run as well as if the office is an excellent suitable for you. For example, at our firm, every worker speaks Spanish and thus our Hispanic clientele really feel right in your home.".
2. Make sure to discuss costs before signing.

Claims Neal Davis of the Neal Davis Law practice in Houston, Texas, "It's constantly vital to ask about costs in advance. Transparency is vital in any considerable economic deal, and that includes your lawyer. Constantly get any type of cost contract in composing.".

Personal injury lawyers usually work on backup, obtaining around a 3rd of the ultimate negotiation or judgment, plus office expenditures. Regardless, clarify what the lawyer means when he or she states "no cost if no healing." Make certain you recognize the lawyer's fees from the start.
3. Research study lawyers online.

Research study different lawyers online. See to it they are accredited and in good standing in the state where the accident occurred.

Every state has its own neighborhood bar association, and all lawyers are signed up in their data sources. You can inspect their bar standing and whether they have been approved or if any disciplinary steps have actually been leveled against them.

Stephanie Hoffer, a companion with Hoffer & Sheremet, a law office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, said, "Do pass by an attorney based on verdict numbers provided on a website. Every situation is different, as well as the quantity of problems in your instance depends on lots of elements. Invest time talking to the attorney prior to you employ him or her. You two will be spending a lot of time together-- ensure you like each other!".
4. Listen to your intestine.

" Select the personal injury lawyer that really cares about you as an individual and your lasting health and wellbeing," encourages Evan Guthrie, a personal injury lawyer in Charleston, South Carolina. "Some attorneys may care extra regarding the value of the situation over making the decisions that will profit the customer in their healing. The attorney must additionally be genuine and also truthful about the weaker parts of the instance in advance as opposed to playing up the strengths of the case. Trust your suspicion when selecting an attorney. If it does not feel right, go on to another attorney immediately even if depiction has actually currently started.".
5. Discover the degree of the attorney's training.

Learn the degree of their training as well as their lawful experience.

Some great questions are, "For how long have you been practicing?" "What portion of your situations includes ___________?" "Will you personally manage my situation or commend an affiliate?".

Eric Ramos, that helms a legislation office in San Antonio, Texas, noted that this is critical. "Find out if the lawyer you're contacting is really the lawyer who will represent you. A number of the attorneys that market in my city run numerous television commercials saying they'll fight for you. It's well known in the lawful community that a lot of these gentlemen have never tried an instance and simply refer every little thing bent on the real litigators.".
6. Ask if they will handle your instance personally.

Along the same lines as above, ensure the attorney you talk with is the one that will be managing your situation.

Steven M. Sweat, an attorney in Los Angeles, The golden state, agrees. "Ensure you talk to the attorney that will certainly be managing your instance directly prior to employing them. If the lawyer can not take five minutes out of their day to speak with you personally as opposed to having a secretary, paralegal or intake person do all the talking, then what kind of focus to you believe they are mosting likely to offer to working your instance?".

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

Alternatives To Bankruptcies - Kalra Law Firm

Just how Do I Discover a Legal representative?

You have actually considered it carefully and also you've made a decision that you require to speak to a legal representative. The huge issue is-- how to find one? This area will certainly give you some ideas on what to search for when picking an attorney, and lead you via some questions you can ask a lawyer when you first meet. If you do your research, you can work with the lawyer that has the experience and experience to aid you with your issue.

Most people do not have a "normal" lawyer, in the feeling that they have several physicians that they see at the very least annually. So exactly how do you find the lawyer that's right for you? Where do you turn for suggestions?
What should I try to find when picking an attorney?

The legal representative will certainly be helping you address your issues, so the first credentials is that you have to really feel comfortable sufficient to tell him or her, honestly and totally, all the realities needed to resolve your problem. Nobody you pay attention to as well as absolutely nothing you read will have the ability to ensure that a particular legal representative will be the very best for you; you should judge that on your own.
Exist any type of sensible factors to consider to bear in mind when selecting a legal representative?

Yes, the legal representative's area of competence as well as prior experience are very important. Numerous states have field of expertise programs that license attorneys as experts in certain sorts of law. Some legal specializeds additionally have actually created their very own certification programs, such as the National Association of Estate Planners and also Councils, and also the National Senior Citizen Regulation Structure. You might additionally wish to ask about the sort of cases your legal representative usually manages. What is the breakdown of that lawyer's method (e.g. 50 percent accident instances, 25 percent separation instances and 25 percent "various other.") Keep in mind that many attorneys are not accredited in a specialized, yet that does not necessarily mean that a specific attorney is not an expert in a particular area, particularly where a legal representative manages a high quantity of situations in a particular technique location.

Various other factors to consider are the benefit of the lawyer's office place, charges charged, and the size of time a situation might take.
Where should I begin to try to find an attorney?

There are lots of ways to find a trusted legal representative. Among the most effective is a recommendation from a trusted close friend, family member, or business associate. Be aware, nevertheless, that each legal situation is different which an attorney who is right for another person may not suit you or your lawful trouble.
Are ads a good area to seek an attorney?

In some ways, yes, advertisements are useful. Nevertheless, constantly take care about believing everything you check out and also hear-- and also nowhere is this truer than with promotions. Paper, telephone directory, radio, television, as well as Web advertisements, in addition to direct mail, can make you acquainted with the names of legal representatives who might be appropriate for your legal demands. Some ads likewise will certainly assist you determine a lawyer's area of proficiency. Other ads will certainly price quote a fee or cost range for taking care of a details type of "straightforward" instance. Keep in mind that your instance might not have a simple option. If a legal representative estimates a charge, be specific you understand specifically what services as well as expenses the charge does and also does not consist of.
What about a local reference service?

A lot of neighborhoods have reference services to help individuals find attorneys. You may be able to find them under "Lawyer Recommendation Solution" or something similar in your yellow pages. These solutions generally suggest a legal representative in the location to examine a circumstance. Numerous solutions provide help to teams with distinct features, such as the senior, immigrants, victims of domestic physical violence, or persons with a special needs.

Bar organizations in the majority of neighborhoods make recommendations according to particular locations of law, helping you discover an attorney with the best experience as well as technique concentration. Many reference services additionally have proficiency needs for lawyers that desire to have recommendations in a specific area of regulation. You can locate your regional bar organization in the telephone directory's white web pages either under your community's name ("Centerville Bar Association") or under your area's name ("Cass Area Bar Organization"). You can also locate your bar's website via your favored internet search engine, or with the ABA's interactive state-by-state lawyer-referral directory.

Still, these services are not a surefire method to find the very best attorney or the ideal lawyer for you. Some services make references without issue for the attorney's type or level of experience. You may want to choose a lawyer reference service that takes part in the American Bar Association-sponsored qualification program, which makes use of a logo design to determine attorney recommendation programs that abide by specific top quality requirements created by the ABA.
My brand-new work offers a prepaid lawful solutions strategy. What can I anticipate?

Legal solutions, like lots of other things, are typically more economical when purchased in bulk. Some companies, labor as well as credit unions, and also other groups have actually created "legal insurance coverage" strategies. These plans differ. Many cover most, if not all, of the price of legal consultations, file preparation, and court representation in regular lawful issues. Various other programs cover just advice and consultation with a legal representative. Before joining a legal strategy, see to it you know with its coverage and understand whether you will certainly be called for to make out-of-pocket payments. These group intends follow the same pattern as team or participating medical insurance coverage strategies. Employers or unions set up a fund to pay the workers' legal charges, with the worker in some cases adding a little co-payment. Legal team strategies have become much more prevalent in recent times. Some retail department stores and also charge card firms even provide such plans to their customers.
I want to employ a lawyer, but I do not have much cash. Where can I locate affordable legal aid?

A number of legal aid programs offer affordable or free legal services to those in need. Look in the yellow pages under topics such as "lawful centers," "lawful help," or "lawful suggestions," or browse online. The majority of legal aid programs have special standards for qualification, typically based on where you live, the size of your family members, as well as your revenue. Some legal aid offices have their own team legal representatives, as well as others run with volunteer attorneys. Keep in mind that people do not have a right to a free lawyer in civil lawful matters.
I have been charged of a criminal offense, and I can not manage a lawyer. What can I do?

If you are implicated of a criminal offense, the U.S. Constitution ensures you the right to be stood for by an attorney all the same in which you could be incarcerated for 6 months or even more. State constitutions may ensure your right to a legal representative for lower criminal offenses. If you can not manage a lawyer, either the court listening to the case will designate a personal lawyer to represent you cost free or the government's public protector will certainly manage your situation, additionally at no charge.
Besides court-appointed protectors, exists any other type of government assistance readily available?

Departments as well as companies of both the state as well as government governments typically have staff attorneys that can aid the public in minimal situations, without charge. Take into consideration calling the pertinent government firm if you have particular concerns, such as environmental protection issues or discrimination in employment or housing.

Your State's Chief law officer also may supply guidance to the general public on state laws, without charge. Some states, for instance, preserve consumer defense divisions as a feature of the Chief law officer's office. Similarly, through their law divisions, areas, cities, as well as areas frequently have federal government lawyers who might offer the general public with guidance regarding neighborhood laws. Some of these regional offices likewise use customer defense help. To find such firms, examine the federal government listings in your phone book or using your favorite search engine on the web.

Why Hire A Bankrupt Lawyer

What Are My Alternatives If I Can Not Manage a Bankruptcy Attorney?

Discover your choices if you can not manage to pay personal bankruptcy attorneys' fees.



An experienced personal bankruptcy lawyer can offer you with legal suggestions, prepare your insolvency paperwork, and also guide you with the bankruptcy process. But these solutions come with an expense. If you can not manage to pay the costs, you may be able to:

represent yourself as a "pro se" debtor
negotiate lowered attorneys' costs
pay your charges through your Phase 13 settlement plan
look for assistance from a totally free lawful facility or legal help culture, or
find a done for free lawyer that will take your instance absolutely free.

Learn pointers for selecting a qualified insolvency attorney.

Stand for Yourself in Personal bankruptcy

You don't have to have a lawyer to declare insolvency. Yet whether it would certainly remain in your best interest to hire one will certainly rely on:

the type of personal bankruptcy you intend to file
the complexity of your situation, and
if you want to do the research study required.

Discover more concerning applying for insolvency without a lawyer.

Straightforward Chapter 7 bankruptcies. Filers with little or no income or assets, as well as no other issues that may make complex an insolvency may be able to file by themselves. However even a straightforward Chapter 7 insolvency needs a significant amount of time and also research study. If you aren't happy to make the required commitment, you take the chance of having your bankruptcy rejected. You might likewise put your property at risk. At a minimum, if you wish to file without an attorney, get a self-help publication such as Nolo's How to File for Chapter 7 Insolvency.

Difficult Phase 7 and also Chapter 13 bankruptcies. Complicated Chapter 7 cases and also mostly all Phase 13 personal bankruptcies require substantial expertise of bankruptcy regulation as well as have lots of risks for unskilled filers. For these factors, it would remain in your benefit to hire a bankruptcy attorney. In most cases, you can pay an excellent section of your attorneys' costs through your Chapter 13 settlement plan. Even if you can not pay for a bankruptcy attorney, think about speaking to a lawyer. Lots of attorneys offer totally free examinations. You might learn about hidden dangers your instance could provide.

Discuss Lowered Lawyers' Charges

If you can't pay for the priced estimate charges, you can try supplying the lawyer the amount you can pay. The attorney could consent to accept your instance-- especially if your earnings is low. Also, try shopping around. Various other local lawyers might charge less.

Speak to a Free Legal Facility or Legal Aid Culture

Several complimentary lawful clinics and also legal aid societies assist low-income people with legal needs. Additionally, some insolvency courts and legislation institutions have facilities or information centers developed to aid self-represented debtors with their instances. You can make use of the united state Court Federal Court Finder to discover your local personal bankruptcy court.

Discover a Pro Bono Attorney

Some lawyers tackle a specific number of cases pro bono (for free or at a dramatically lowered price) every year. If you don't have the ways to spend for the solutions of a bankruptcy lawyer, you might be able to discover a lawyer to take your instance done for free. You can typically locate more information on pro bono lawyers online, via your state bar, a regional bar association, or by talking with legal representatives in your area. Or begin with the American Personal bankruptcy Institute's For the public good Locator.

Why Hire A Bankrupt Lawyer
Kalra Bankrupt Lawyer
Kalra Bankrupt Lawyer

What Should I Anticipate from My Bankruptcy Legal representative

What does an insolvency legal representative do? If you hire a Phase 7 or Phase 13 personal bankruptcy lawyer, below's what that legal representative must provide for you.

Declare insolvency is a fantastic means to extricate difficult debt, and also most individuals really feel a tremendous feeling of alleviation when their insolvency case mores than. But comprehending the process and filling out the bankruptcy types can be intimidating.

That's where a personal bankruptcy attorney is available in. Not just will you receive legal guidance, but an insolvency attorney will take care of the documents from start to finish. Below are a few of one of the most usual sorts of solutions you can expect from your insolvency attorney.

( Unsure just how much you should pay? Begin by reading Typical Attorney Fees in Chapter 7 Insolvency.).
Anticipate Proficiency From Your Bankruptcy Attorney.

Not all insolvency cases are made complex, yet they aren't all easy, either. In either case, your personal bankruptcy legal representative need to have the ability level necessary to manage your instance.

In general, the problem of your insolvency will certainly depend upon:.

the facts of your situation.
whether you apply for Chapter 7 or Phase 13 personal bankruptcy.
whether the insolvency trustee will offer any one of your residential or commercial property (a property or "no property" personal bankruptcy case).
if you have a local business, and.
the participation of personal bankruptcy lawsuits.

One method to discover if it's an excellent fit is to to ask whether the lawyer has represented clients in comparable circumstances in the past.
Anticipate Audio Legal Suggestions From Your Bankruptcy Lawyer.

As a whole, your retainer arrangement (the agreement you and your attorney sign) will certainly outline the services your insolvency attorney will certainly provide. Your lawyer's task is additionally to supply you with competent recommendations throughout the insolvency procedure.

First, you can expect your lawyer to inform you whether filing for insolvency would remain in your benefit. If it is, you need to likewise learn:.

whether Chapter 7, Phase 13, or another type will certainly assist you achieve your economic goals.
what you can expect throughout the bankruptcy process, and.
whether your instance involves any particular difficulties or risks.

Most notably, if you have any questions, you can expect your lawyer to reply to your telephone calls or e-mails promptly.
Expect Your Bankruptcy Lawyer to Prepare as well as File Your Documents.

Declare personal bankruptcy requires you to complete an extensive package of types. Nearly all personal bankruptcy lawyers have actually specialized software program that prepares as well as files your needed bankruptcy documentation with the court.

You'll supply your lawyer with all of your economic details, such as earnings, cost, asset, and also financial obligation info. Your legal representative will certainly utilize it to prepare the official kinds and after that review the completed documents with you to make certain accuracy.

You might need to supply extra forms or records with the court or the trustee, as well. Your attorney will certainly make certain to do so quickly because missing a bankruptcy deadline can create:.

delays at the same time.
dismissal of your case, or.
various other adverse repercussions.

For these factors, one of the obligations of your bankruptcy lawyer is to know the regional regulations as well as filing treatments.
Expect Your Bankruptcy Legal Representative to Represent You at Hearings.

After applying for insolvency, all debtors should go to an obligatory hearing called the 341 conference of lenders. Yet, depending upon your case, you (or your lawyer) may require to visit extra hearings.

Some usual sorts of hearings you can expect your attorney to represent you at:.

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

For the most part, prior to you submit your bankruptcy situation, your attorney will certainly be able to recommend you concerning the hearings you can prepare for participating in.

Bankrupt Law Firm - Kalra Law

5 Tips for Speaking With a Lawyer

We get it. No one intends to speak to legal representatives. But there comes a time in everyone's life-- whether it be excellent news (marriage) or problem (divorce)-- when you'll require to talk to a legal representative. And when that time comes, there are a couple of tips you must consider to make the legal process a great deal much easier and also less uncomfortable for both you as well as your legal representative.

However wait! You may be believing, "Isn't that what I pay my lawyer for?" Not quite. Consider this: Picture having a toothache (ouch). Normally, you would certainly go to your dental practitioner, that would ask a couple of basic inquiries like, "Where does it injure?" or "What drugs have you been using to reduce the discomfort?" Currently, imagine if you just claimed, "I do not recognize" to all those questions. It might appear odd but legal representatives are like dentists. Or, actually, like any kind of specialists that attempt to aid you assist on your own. They can just do so much without your guidance. It takes teamwork.

Though attorneys, necessarily, are well-versed in the landscape of law, you require to offer background information (information, first-hand accounts, documents, and so on) so they can efficiently steer via the lengthy as well as winding legal roadway without making any individual sick along the road.

So are you prepared to speak to your lawyer? Right here are five handy pointers to make sure a pleasant experience and also (with any luck) a successful end result.
1. Obtain arranged

Try to develop a clear, comprehensive tale of your scenario. For instance, if it's an event-related occurrence (e.g. web traffic ticket), you ought to make certain you document every little thing that occurred, throughout, in sequential order. Produce a folder of pertinent lawful papers. Obtain a call list of the witnesses on the scene. Just do not dump an overload of scattered information on your inadequate attorney to figure out themselves.
2. Be outlined

Seemingly unimportant information like the weather condition may, initially, seem dismissible. Yet in the eyes of the law, every information matters; every variable has the potential to help your situation. And since your legal representative does not follow your every move (we definitely wish not!), it's your responsibility to be your attorney's eyes and also ears so they are checking out the entire (and most importantly, precise) photo. Give specifics (names, dates, and also precise cases) and also accurate details to produce that crystal clear view.
3. Be honest

Simple and also straightforward: Do not exist. Keep in mind that you and your lawyer get on the very same team. Your legal representative can not share secret information with any person unless you provide authorization to do so. When you start leaving out pertinent truths or including make believe info to your story, it'll only harm you ultimately. Be prepared to describe every little thing to your legal representative-- the excellent and the poor. This will help them provide you the appropriate guidance and support to make certain the best possible result.
4. Ask to make clear

If you find yourself perplexed by all the legal lingo you hear, that's okay. The regulation can get complex, and this is not the time to guess at significances or pretend to comprehend legalese. Simply allow your attorney understand, as well as they should do their ideal to describe points in layperson's terms. Getting an information or 2 may go a long way toward putting your mind comfortable-- and also aid your lawyer do a much better work of handling your case. It's both you as well as your legal representative's work to completely understand your legal scenario.
5. Maintain them notified

Points are bound to change. And when they do, it's crucial to upgrade your attorney. Each small detail or growth can drastically alter your lawful scenario-- for far better or for worse. Some lawful scenarios may take a longer time to solve so it's best to keep in contact with your attorney as brand-new appropriate updates pop up.

So what's the greatest takeaway? You don't need to go through this legal process yourself. We're right next to you, every step of the method. We have hundreds of lawful files and kinds to pick from to personalize for your particular need. When you've customized your record, you can craft a question for our network of Rocket Lawyer On Call ® lawyers. The question will certainly after that be connected to the paper you just finished-- for recommendation and clarification.

You can ask the lawyer to examine what you've done, clarify on the best following steps, or even to just ease your worries, like "Is this the appropriate paper for my scenario?" You'll obtain your answer within one organization day and prior to you know it, you'll get on your way-- with a finished legal record as well as newfound knowledge of just how to speak to your lawyer.

Kalra Law Firm
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.