Document Processor vs Attorney?

[PixieDust]

We talked to a guy today who handles all of the paperwork for you, and only charges $199 vs the $650 our attorney wants to charge us - and he's the cheapest I could find. Neither of these include the $209 the courts charge to file. Our bankruptcy looks like it'll be pretty straight forward. Is it ok to go with a "document processor" instead of an attorney? We're barely going to be able to come up with the $400 for the document guy, much less the $850+ for the attorney! Do these guys not understand the concept of "bankruptcy"?

[HHM]

Its not a matter of undestanding bankruptcy. But bankruptcy is probably one of the most complex areas of law. The attorney puts himself on the line by representing you and is supposed to provide you with the legal information to determine if bankruptcy is right for you and what will happen given your individual circumstances. There is more to bankruptcy than filing out paperwork.

However, if you think your case is fairly straightfoward, you can either prepare the paperwork yourself or pay someone else to do them. Just realize,the document processor cannot give you ANY legal advice. (generally, I think document processors are a waste of money because most people can generally figure out the forms for themselves.)

[PixieDust]

AS far as filling pro se, are the forms very complicated? I dunno, I might just do it myself. I REALLY can't afford the attorney's fees...

[Whittio]

Check out www.form7.com that's what I did for my mom's BK. (others here had suggested it) It was easy as licking a stamp.

I did have a paralegal go over it just to "be safe". In my area, the paralegals can only charge $125 to fill out your forms for you. You might want to check into one in your area. Ours did charge $75 in the end to check my paperwork, had a meeting with my mom to sign everything, made copies of everything, and mailed them into the court. After she looked them over, I felt much better, and she said they were "PERFECT".

I understand your question/comment about the cost of the attorneys, and "do they understand the concept".. it seems like if you're down and can't pay your bills, how on earth could you come up with that kind of money to pay them to get you out of your debt??

I personally would look into the form7 software. It was $35 to register it.. it walks you through all the questions and fills out all the appropriate forms. With that software, and this forum.. you should have an easy time IF your case is indeed "straightforward".

[hhou812hh]

AS far as filling pro se, are the forms very complicated? I dunno, I might just do it myself. I REALLY can't afford the attorney's fees...

Understood, BUT! it would probably be worth spending weeks eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and having some blockbuster nights and using the saved $$ for an atty. I'm not talking out by @$$ either. Years ago when I filed a ch7 I lived like a monk for 2 months just to save the atty fees. For a simple bk you "may" be fine. If you have any problems with it the lawyer can give you some good advice. The fees (no matter homw much you are now struggling) are much cheaper then losing your discharge over an error.

Just my 2 cents.

Good luck!

[freshstarter]

Looking back on the work I put into filling out the forms, I think it would have been worth it for me to use the software.

Either way though, there is lots of work just trying to assemble all the needed info.

[PixieDust]

I just downloaded the form&.com software. I'm going to give it a shot. If it looks like I can't do it, I'm only out $35 (which I can afford) rather than $199 (which I cannot). Now I'm just trying to get all the info! Which, by the way, we would have had to do with the attorney anyway...

[Whittio]

There was another site someone posted that gives some worksheet. Even calculates out annual expenses into monthly costs. Now, the categories weren't the same as in the final paperwork, but like for "auto" I listed EVERYTHING that had to do with the car, (annual set of 2 tires, smog, registration, oil changes etc.).. hopefully someone can post that link for you. it will help a LOT..

[StaciMM]

Would you let me know if you think the site is worthwhile? I paid $35 to get my hubby's 3 bureau credit report, then 2 days later found where I could have gotten it for free from each one (annualcreditreport.com I think). I bought the forms packet from Office Depot for $30, but they have to be typed professionally so having the forms doesn't help, when I don't have a typewriter. Who uses a typewrite anymore?

I have found an attorney who charges $1,000 + filing fee, payable in monthly installments (but filing starts after 1st payment & filing fee) but he knows about as much as I do. I am afraid to do it on my own, though. (We do have a situation where 2 creditors have judgements against my husband, and one of those has started garnishing.)

I just downloaded the form&.com software. I'm going to give it a shot. If it looks like I can't do it, I'm only out $35 (which I can afford) rather than $199 (which I cannot). Now I'm just trying to get all the info! Which, by the way, we would have had to do with the attorney anyway...