Filing bankruptcy without an attorney is called "Pro Se" - meaning to represent oneself in legal proceedings.
If you are considering filing bankruptcy, we strongly encourage you to obtain the services of an attorney who specializes in bankruptcy laws. For information about hiring an attorney, contact your state or local bar association. Many law schools have legal clinics that offer free legal services or classes. To educate yourself in what filing bankruptcy entails, we present the following information:
- Consumer Pro Se Debtors Guide
- Anatomy of a Bankruptcy Chapter 7
- Anatomy of a Bankruptcy Chapter 13
- Notice Required by 11 U.S.C. § 342(b) for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy
- Filing for Bankruptcy Without an Attorney
- Filing an Adversary Proceeding Without an Attorney
- Bankruptcy Forms for Individuals
- Guide to Correcting a Social Security Number
- Information on Bankruptcy
- Approved Credit Counseling Agencies
With limited exceptions, Section 109(h) of the Bankruptcy Code requires that all individual debtors receive credit counseling from an approved provider within 180 days before the bankruptcy filing. Cases filed without having first obtained such credit counseling may be subject to dismissal.
If you cannot afford to pay an attorney, you may qualify for free legal services ("pro bono"). The Alabama Bar has resources on where you can get legal help, including pro bono legal services.