If I'm bankrupt, how do I afford a lawyer?

[JayGZ]

I know this is a terrribly dumb question but if I'm struggling to pay creditors and see bankruptcy as the best solution, how do I secure the services of a lawyer?

The kind of expense a lawyer would charge would seem like something I couldn't afford.

It feels like a catch-22. If I could afford a bankruptcy lawyer, I don't need to go into bankruptcy and if I can't afford a bankruptcy lawyer, I really need one.

[Minnymouth]

Ok,
If your going to file bankruptcy, talk to an attorney, set your fee up on a payment plan. Then quit paying everything the attorney tells you not to pay.... start saving that money to finish paying him....

Your fee will have to be paid in full probably before your attorney will file your papers completely or before your 341 meeting.

Most attorneys will work with you, just ask.

Most offer a free consultation to let you know what your options are and their fee.

Hope that helps

[Genenco]

Minny speaks words of wisdom JAYGZ.

Some have found lawyers who will file before all fess are paid, but usually they MUST be paid before the 341 meeting, but that is usually 1-2 months before that.

Also, The fees are (Depending on your situation) either low, or massively high, but it all depends. Anywhere from $600-$2,500 but again, depends.

Best of luck and remember, there's no free lunch, but the sampler platter usually is.

[NonSequitur]

JayGZ makes a good point.

JayGZ did not say this, but having to choose between food, medicine, and/or lawyer is very undesirable. i am pretty sure that if the govt supplied lawyers, it would somehow be considered a bad thing...

[StopNAF]

Do you have anything to Sell?

One thing I did was sell (liquidate) a horse trailer and used that towards an attorney and I stopped paying my creditors and and started paying my attorney instead.

The attorney to this point has been worth every penny, but I have a long way to go.

I'll keep you posted.