Bankruptcy INK

After the new changes to the Bankruptcy Code were made, there were many ramifications that were unseen at the time. It was expected that Bankruptcies in Illinois would fall at first, and then possibly climb back up to normal levels.(Which it is doing now) Moreover, it was known that qualifying for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy would become more difficult. However, one unseen effect was that the Bankruptcy Code became increasingly complicated and nuanced. This has caused immense problems for people who are choosing to file for Bankruptcy without hiring an attorney.

Filing pro se for bankruptcy in Illinois, as it’s called if you file without an attorney, is an extremely risky endeavor that will most likely cause extraneous complications. Additionally, these cases usually are so wrought with mistakes that they end up getting dismissed. The court system has taken notice.

Courts are starting to hire clerks to advise pro se filers about the nature of their decision. In an article by Marketplace Money, they interview one such clerk. Her name is Mary Fox. She gave some key insights. One of her most common pieces of advice is to, “ convince them to hire an attorney, even if they have to borrow more money to pay for it.” That is how important it is to have proper legal representation when filing for bankruptcy. She goes on to say, “People will pay thousands of dollars for root canal, but they seriously question whether they should hire an attorney for important, life-altering decisions.” This is exactly what Bankruptcy is. You are trying to obtain a fresh start and move forward in your life, debt free. Cutting corners is not the way to achieve this.

If there comes a time in your life where Bankruptcy relief is needed, remember that you need competent legal help to obtain the fruits of this relief. In Illinois and around the country, there are many experienced Bankruptcy attorneys willing to jump start your new life. Don’t make the mistake that many others have.