Do you need a lawyer to file for bankruptcy? Technically, no. The court system says that having a lawyer isn’t a requirement to go through the actual filing process. However, speaking as a Huntsville bankruptcy attorney, I will say that in my professional opinion, having a lawyer is highly recommended and would be necessary under most circumstances.
I don’t say this because I’m trying to pressure you into hiring an attorney — in fact, I offer free consultations so that you can go into the bankruptcy process without the added stress of frivolous attorney’s fees. Rather, I say this because it’s very easy to miss a step or a crucial deadline without an experienced legal professional helping you navigate the bankruptcy system. Even the courts — those same ones that specify you don’t need a lawyer — have special warning provisions to ensure you recognize how risky it is to file for bankruptcy without one.