Why Should You Not Proceed To File For Bankruptcy Without A Bankruptcy Lawyer? If you are considering filing bankruptcy, you have all the right to go ahead without hiring a lawyer. And, if your case happens to be not-so-complex, representing yourself will save you the lawyer’s fees. It’s, however, not always a wise decision. If your Chapter 7 case takes in high-prized assets, or if your case demands for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, to file without a lawyer might cost you more than what you’d have saved going alone. How a Bankruptcy Attorney Is Worth Each Dime The most significant benefit of hiring an attorney is that a professional lawyer has the eyes and brains to recognize the potential hitches that could cause failures in the process of filing, and then taking it forward. Below is a sampling of the value a bankruptcy attorney can bring up to the table. Planning: An attorney will always look for an alternative to the bankruptcy and guide you accordingly because bankruptcy is often filed when it’s the last resort. Following an informed decision making, and if bankruptcy is found to be the only last resort, your case is taken. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies aim to accomplish different objectives, which means they serve different grounds. For example – Chapter 7 bankruptcy annihilates several debts over a short course of time; it, however, doesn’t help save assets if you’re behind on mortgage payments. Your wants and needs would be carefully considered so that you can achieve your goals. The Preparation: You’re put through the Means Test. The Means Test result will determine whether or not you qualify to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or if you could afford to put your case through the Chapter 13 bankruptcy. A lawyer will always find the smartest way of using particular circumstances while representing your case.