Legal Question in Bankruptcy in California

Re: Bankruptcy question

Need to list ALL of your debts. Can't pick and choose, however can work out agreements with creditors to maintain certain accounts. ALWAYS best to have an attorney. Good Luck. Feel free to contact me further.

Re: Bankruptcy question

Unless you have extensive bankrupcy related experience, it is near impossible for a person to do a bankruptcy on their own. Even bankruptcy lawyers take continuing courses regarding recent developments in bankruptcy law. You have to list all your creditors. However, you get to choose whether you will surrender or reaffirm your secured debts (like a car). On your other debts, you can choose to reaffirm if you really want to, but this is rarely recommended.

Re: Bankruptcy question

If you qualify, the bankruptcy court has a fee waiver program so you might not even have to pay the $299 filing fee! You must list everyone to whom you owe money -- including relatives and friends -- and everything you own.

My colleagues are correct that it can be fairly intimidating to fill out all the paperwork, although you might find self-help books or on-line guides to assist you. Many people do file bankruptcies on their own. However, no lawyer is ever going to suggest that you NOT hire a lawyer to do your bankruptcy. Good luck to you!