There is no legal requirement for an individual to be represented by an attorney in order to file bankruptcy. However, I would think long and hard about not hiring an attorney who is experienced in bankruptcy before you dare go it alone. In other words, it is not recommended. In some localities you can get help from a bankruptcy petition preparer, but they are expressly prohibited from giving you legal advice.
If getting yourself involved in a highly specialized legal matter governed by a very complex federal bankruptcy code, procedural rules, and local rules, as well as many areas of state law, without obtaining any legal advice is your idea of a good time, then, by all means, give it a shot. If something blows-up in your case, you will then need to hire an attorney anyway or you may lose important legal rights. It will also be much harder now to find a lawyer to represent you and much more expensive, because many attorneys will not accept a bankruptcy case that they did not handle from the beginning.
Your best bet is to hire a bankruptcy attorney from the get-go who is experienced in navigating a safe course through the mine field. By shopping around a little, you will easily be able to find an affordable bankruptcy attorney who will skillfully apply his trade for your benefit and in your best interest. To be sure, it will be the best money you ever spent.
Gregory & Swapp does handle bankruptcy cases in Utah. If you would like a free evaluation, contact us today.
