The Fact about Filing Bankruptcy Online
The truth about filing bankruptcy online is that you cannot actually do it. While there are websites that offer services in filing bankruptcy online, they can only help you in preparing for it and not in actual filing.
These websites provide comprehensive information about filing bankruptcy with helpful articles and tips on how to go about the process. Most websites offer a directory of bankruptcy lawyers that you can choose from should you decide to get legal assistance. There are websites that allow users to post questions about bankruptcy which are answered by practicing lawyers and some offer free bankruptcy evaluations. Another sure thing you can do online is to order or download bankruptcy forms and kits complete with instructions on how to file bankruptcy. Some sites even offer software products to help you create legal bankruptcy forms.
Preparing for filing bankruptcy online may save you time and is more convenient. You can have the documents organized and your questions answered from your home or office. However, once you have completed your forms the only way for you to file bankruptcy is to have the petition physically brought to the bankruptcy court in your local area. Again, this step cannot be done online no matter how many websites advertise filing bankruptcy online.
There are three ways you can file a bankruptcy petition – through a bankruptcy lawyer, through a bankruptcy petition preparer or on your own.
When you hire the services of a lawyer, he or she will review your case and give you advice on which bankruptcy code chapter to file under, how to answer bankruptcy forms properly, which debts can or cannot be discharged, claiming exceptions, tax matters and etcetera. A paralegal or the lawyer’s assistant will complete your court bankruptcy forms which will be filed for you afterwards. Your bankruptcy lawyer will represent you in court meetings or whenever you need to appear before the trustee. Lawyer’s fees can go up to a little over $1,000.00.
A bankruptcy petition preparer will help you to professionally prepare the forms and all necessary paperwork and file them with the court. Since they are not lawyers, petition preparers are prohibited from providing debtors with legal advice.
The last option in filing bankruptcy is to do it on your own. Determine which chapter to file. Find out the requirements, exceptions and all applicable information to your state and your particular local bankruptcy court. Fill out and file the necessary forms and represent yourself in legal proceedings.
Whatever option you choose, you can learn about bankruptcy laws and filing bankruptcy online. Take advantage of many online resources available to educate you about the process of filing bankruptcy and help you prepare for it.
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