Legally, consumers who file bankruptcy without assistance are still responsible for understanding and complying with the U.S. Bankruptcy Code as well as local laws. Mistakes during the filing process can undermine a person’s rights or even lead to dismissal of his or her bankruptcy case. Furthermore, consumers who file bankruptcy on their own may be at risk for making adverse decisions, such as choosing an inadvisable chapter of the Code to file under.
Given these risks, most people who are considering filing bankruptcy should consider at least consulting with an attorney beforehand. An attorney can help a person better assess his or her options and determine whether professional representation might be advisable during the filing process.