what if you can't afford a bankruptcy attorney

by Dr. Janet Buckridge 5 min read

  • Negotiate Reduced Fees. Try negotiating if you can’t afford the amount your attorney has quoted. ...
  • Apply for Chapter 7 Filing Fee Payment Plan. If you can’t afford a bankruptcy attorney near you or a Chapter 7 filing fee in full, you can apply for a ...
  • Contact a Legal Aid Society. There are legal aid societies in the U.S. that offer low-income individuals with free legal services.
  • Seek a Pro Bono Attorney. Some legal professionals will take on a case pro bono, or free of charge/at a reduced rate. ...
  • Contact OakTree Law. If you’re looking for a bankruptcy attorney in Los Angeles or Orange County, OakTree Law can help find the right solution for you based on your financial ...

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer to file bankruptcy?

Find a Pro Bono Lawyer. If you really cannot afford to fork over a single dime for a bankruptcy attorney, then you may want to try looking for an attorney that will take your case on pro bono (this means either free of charge, or at a significantly reduced rate).

What if I can't afford a Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney?

What If I Can’t Afford a Bankruptcy Attorney? Negotiate Reduced Fees. Try negotiating if you can’t afford the amount your attorney has quoted. Make a proposal based... Apply for Chapter 7 Filing Fee Payment Plan. If you can’t afford a bankruptcy attorney near you or …

Where can I get Free bankruptcy lawyers?

Even if you can't afford a bankruptcy lawyer, consider talking to an attorney. Many attorneys provide free consultations. You could learn about hidden dangers your case might present. Negotiate Reduced Attorneys' Fees. If you can't afford the quoted fees, you can try offering the attorney the amount you can pay.

Can I pay my bankruptcy lawyer with a credit card?

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What happens if I can't afford bankruptcy?

If you can't continue with your Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you might be eligible to receive a hardship discharge even though you haven't completed all of your required plan payments. The court will analyze your financial situation and consider the best interest of your creditors before granting a hardship discharge.

Can someone else pay your bankruptcy fee?

Someone else paying for you And make sure they keep the proof of payment! If they want to pay online, they can pay all or part of the fees.Apr 5, 2016

Does Trustee check your bank account?

You may be worried your bank will freeze your account as soon as it becomes aware of the bankruptcy but that rarely happens. ... Please be aware that your trustee does not have access to your personal account. A separate account is opened to manage your bankrupt estate.

How to negotiate with a lawyer?

Try negotiating if you can’t afford the amount your attorney has quoted. Make a proposal based on what you can afford to pay and are willing to offer. If your lawyer understands your financial situation and/or your income is low, they may agree to accept your case. Otherwise, consult with other local attorneys that charge a more affordable fee.

What is Oaktree Law?

If you’re looking for a bankruptcy attorney in Los Angeles or Orange County, OakTree Law can help find the right solution for you based on your financial situation, starting with a thorough evaluation. We specialize in Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Able to help you file, we can also negotiate a plan that works for you and allows for a fresh start on managing your finances. Our team is experienced with a wide range of debt relief options. If necessary, we can provide debt and credit counseling as well as relief from foreclosure with loan modification and mortgage litigation services.

Can I pay my attorney's fees in Chapter 13?

Your Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney can agree to an option that allows you to pay your attorney’s fees through the plan. While you’ll need to pay a filing fee and other costs, you can pay out attorney’s fees and your creditors will cover the costs up front.

Can I find a bankruptcy attorney in my area?

One in your area can help if you can’t find an affordable bankruptcy attorney. You can also check with a bankruptcy court in your area for information on such entities or that can provide you with information on or assistance with self-representation.

Can I afford a bankruptcy lawyer?

Legal advice, guidance, and preparing paperwork comes at a cost. But not everyone who files can afford a bankruptcy lawyer.

What can a bankruptcy attorney do?

A knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney can provide you with legal advice, prepare your bankruptcy paperwork, and guide you through the bankruptcy process. But these services come at a cost. If you can't afford to pay the fees, you might be able to: represent yourself as a "pro se" debtor. negotiate reduced attorneys' fees.

How to file for bankruptcy?

A knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney can provide you with legal advice, prepare your bankruptcy paperwork, and guide you through the bankruptcy process. But these services come at a cost. If you can't afford to pay the fees, you might be able to: 1 represent yourself as a "pro se" debtor 2 negotiate reduced attorneys' fees 3 pay your fees through your Chapter 13 repayment plan 4 seek help from a free legal clinic or legal aid society, or 5 find a pro bono attorney who will take your case free of charge.

Can I afford a bankruptcy lawyer?

In many cases, you can pay a good portion of your attorneys' fees through your Chapter 13 repayment plan. Even if you can't afford a bankruptcy lawyer, consider talking to an attorney. Many attorneys provide free consultations.

Can I take a bankruptcy case pro bono?

Some attorneys take on a certain number of cases pro bono (free of charge or at a significantly reduced rate) each year. If you don't have the means to pay for the services of a bankruptcy attorney, you might be able to find a lawyer to take your case pro bono.

Can I file for bankruptcy without an attorney?

Learn more about filing for bankruptcy without an attorney. Simple Chapter 7 bankruptcies. Filers with little or no income or assets, and no other matters that might complicate a bankruptcy might be able to file on their own. But even a simple Chapter 7 bankruptcy requires a significant amount of time and research.

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