Due the fact that I have been unemployed for almost a year now I have no other choice, but to file bankruptcy. Unfortunately they have also cut my unemployment in half. Because of this I cannot afford the $1,500.00 most attorneys want to file, etc. I don't want to do the bankruptcy myself (I want legal representation just in case any surprises show up in court). Any suggestions?
By Tina from Los Angeles, CA
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From what I have ever heard, the fee that lawyers charge for bankruptcy is because they do an extensive search to find all of your past due accounts, not just the ones that you can remember. I have never heard of anybody doing their own bankruptcy. Check with other attorneys and see if they have lower fees. If you owe on a home mortage, maybe you would be better off letting that be foreclosed, and moving into a very low rent apartment or sleeping room.
All states have a legal aid society for low income who can't afford a lawyer. I just used one in Ohio. I googled Legal Aid Society of Los Angeles and they have one. It is www.lafla.org. They should be able to help you. God bless.
I was also going to say check with legal aid. If you can't get legal aid then try to find the least expensive bankruptcy lawyer you can and make payments to them (get a contract and receipts) until their fee is paid in full and they will then immediately file the claim for you. In the meantime of you paying, most will ask you all the information they need, do investigations and get the papers ready in anticipation of filing.
And you are so wise to not do your bankruptcy yourself because bankruptcy laws change fast and furiously!
Run your credit report, find out everything you owe.
Call your local court house and see if they have what is called "motion of slow pay" Find out what you have to do and how much the court fee is.
I did this with a credit card bill. I had to fill out a form and provide evidence of everything I pay out each month and how much income I have coming in.
I was being hounded for about $2,500 from the credit card lawyers, now I pay $20 a month, and they have no choice. I don't know if you would have to do a "motion of slow pay" on each bill or even if you can, but it's worth a try. Good luck!
Hi, If you don't have enough money to pay bankruptcy, I recommend to consult for the bankruptcy expert to your problem to know more the details and the exact amount you pay for them.
My advice is fine a job so that you can pay the attorneys fee when you file bankruptcy.
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