Top Mistakes Made by Bankruptcy Pro Se Filers

NORWOOD, MA, April 29, 2013

When a person chooses to represent him or herself in a court action, they are acting pro se, or on their own behalf. Bankruptcy paperwork looks simple on its face, but handling your own Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy case is like navigating a minefield while blindfolded.

Do Not Handle Your Own Bankruptcy Case in Massachusetts

The law permits self-representation in bankruptcy proceedings, but the most important question to ask yourself is not "can you," but "should you" represent yourself in a Massachusetts Bankruptcy Court.

Not hiring an experienced bankruptcy attorney can end up costing you more than you would have paid had you hired one. With so much at stake, the better question is, can you afford not to hire a bankruptcy attorney?

Hire a Lawyer to Avoid Mistakes

A bankruptcy attorney will guide you through the entire bankruptcy process, and help you avoid the most common bankruptcy mistakes:

- Running up credit cards because you think all debts will be discharged
- Transferring property out of your name to avoid losing them in bankruptcy
- Not selecting the proper exemptions to preserve assets
- Omitting property or creditors from the bankruptcy schedules
Underestimating your living expenses
Having too much money in your bank account
Reaffirming burdensome debt
Paying back loans to relatives before filing bankruptcy
Withholding information from the Court or your lawyer

The real issue when thinking about hiring an attorney comes down to the cost versus benefit ratio. The only reason to not hire an attorney is to save the fee, but most agree the risk is just too high.

Patriot Law Group
11 Vanderbilt Avenue
Norwood, MA 02062
Toll Free: 888-453-3453