How to File Bankruptcy Through Legal Aid
Although many who file for bankruptcy are strapped for cash, Legal Aid organizations offers services only to those who are unable to pay for an attorney. A typical Legal Aid client might be someone who lost everything while being incarcerated and now faces numerous judgments and liens after being released from prison. Other clients could be an elderly couple struggling with thousands of dollars in medical bills because of illness. If you are approved, Legal Aid will assign an attorney to you for free.
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Instructions
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Contact a Legal Aid office in your city. Such charitable organizations as the United Way, Urban League or Salvation Army can provide you with the phone number, if necessary.
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Tell the Legal Aid representative that you want to file for bankruptcy. Attend a meeting at the Legal Aid office or a special workshop at the Legal Aid office for those considering bankruptcy.
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Apply for the assistance of a bankruptcy attorney through Legal Aid. Fill out the necessary paperwork for determining your eligibility for help. This will include a complete list of all your income, debts and assets.
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File for bankruptcy with the assistance of a Legal Aid attorney after one has been assigned to you.
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Tips & Warnings
Filing for bankruptcy through Legal Aid may not be completely free. Bankruptcy requires a formal pre-bankruptcy counseling session conducted by a credit counseling organization certified by the federal government. In January 2011, the cost for the session was around $50, according to the Federal Trade Commission. There is also a fee for the filing of the bankruptcy papers by the Legal Aid attorney. The filing fee in January 2011 for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy was $299. The attorney may be able to negotiate a waiver of the fee for the pre-bankruptcy counseling session and a payment plan with the bankruptcy court for the filing fee. Chapter 7 is the simplest and quickest form of bankruptcy and is the only form of bankruptcy available for free help through Legal Aid.
