When it comes to erasing large portions of your debt, there is likely no better option than filing for bankruptcy. While the personal bankruptcy process isn’t for everyone, there is certainly something to be said about the process in terms of its effectiveness, particularly for individuals that have exhausted many of the “traditional” means for financial repair. Although few would argue against the merits of claiming bankruptcy from a financial rescue standpoint, there are some things to consider before rushing into the process.
It should be mentioned that filing a bankruptcy claim is a serious endeavor; therefore, it’s important to consult first with a financial professional before diving into the process. Apart from this important consideration, you also need to consider the cost for filing a claim. In case you aren’t aware, filing under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 will cost you about $300 for the filing fee alone. Because many people choose to file through an attorney, you should also consider that bankruptcy attorney fees average between $1,000 and $2,000 per individual case. So what about saving money on your bankruptcy claim? Is there such a thing as low cost bankruptcy and how can you take advantage of it?
Cheap Bankruptcy Tips
The good news is that there are several ways to save money on your bankruptcy filing. That being said, it’s important to exercise a certain degree of caution when attempting a low cost bankruptcy filing, as many low cost bankruptcy attorneys are not what they appear to be on the surface. When dealing with low cost bankruptcy lawyers, it’s important to meet with a few different firms to gauge their level of professionalism. You will want to set up initial consultations with at least 3 different firms in your area, as this will allow you to form a comparison. A good firm will offer a free initial consultation, so be sure to look for this.
Another way to achieve a cheap bankruptcy filing is to use a Bankruptcy Petition Preparer (BPP) instead of a full-blown attorney. Although BPP’s are prevented by law from offering legal advice or representation, they can assist with information gathering and document preparation, which happen to be two of the most time-consuming aspects of filing a claim. You can save up to 50% on the cost of a bankruptcy attorney by using a BPP.
Lastly, you may want to consider filing bankruptcy yourself. After all, there are no laws or regulations that prohibit you from filing on your own. However, it’s important to consider just how time-consuming and stressful a bankruptcy claim can be. You will need to figure out how to claim bankruptcy by yourself and should be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time filling out forms and collecting information. Fortunately, you can find much of the information you’ll need on how to go bankrupt by browsing through our site.