Internet's first get-out-of-debt community - 129,000 members

Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 8:08 pm Subject: Using a Paralegal for Bankruptcy

When I filed bankruptcy, I used the services of a local paralegal. The paralegal explained to me that when you use these types of services, it is considered a type of "do-it-yourself" bankruptcy. The total fees were between $400-$500, I can't remember the exact dollar.

The paralegal did all of the filing of the papers with the bankruptcy court. All I had to do was give her all of my debt information and then show up in court on the appointed day. I was kind of nervous about the court thing, but it was about as impersonal as you could want.

I thought this information might be useful to someone who was thinking about filing bankruptcy, but concerned about attorney costs.

I did learn something from the paralegal (outside of the obvious lessons about debt). I learned that bankruptcy is commonly referred to as a "BK".

Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 8:12 pm Subject:

Great post, Lorri. I spent well over $1000 for my BK and would have loved to know about having a paralegal. I wonder if you can use a paralegal for other legal issues, too, such as divorce?

Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 11:01 pm Subject:

Oh yes, most definitely a paralegal can used for a divorce. I know because my brother's fiancee' is using one for her divorce. Though, I think it has to be the type of divorce like where there are no custody or property issues (not sure though). But, a paralegal definitely does do some types of divorces.

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 4:54 am Subject:

Lorri how do you find a paralegal? are they listed in the phone book, online?

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:54 am Subject:

I looked right in the phone book and found one about 3 miles away from me. Just look under attorneys or legal or even paralegal---I don't know how it would be listed in your particular phone book.

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 1:04 pm Subject: debt

Lorri, See I told you this was going to be a useful post. Many people are in need of legal services. I sure didnt know this. Great information as usual. KYSIDE38

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 1:07 pm Subject:

Lorri - I think this is a great idea. I'm so glad you posted this! Very Happy

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 2:01 pm Subject:

Lorri Thanks for the information, but I had an appointment set up already today with an attorney and I was so releive that I hired him. The cost is alittle dear, but it is cheaper than what I have been going through. And the best part is that he will take all of the calls that I get from any of the companies. And take care of my account that is over drawn. And he stress the point DO NOT USE THST ACCOUNT FOR ANYTHING AND DO NOT GIVE MY NEW ACCOUNT OUT he said even to my insurance company. Not until we have finished with all of this.

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 2:18 pm Subject:

Thanks, Lorri, for the info. A friend wants a divorce but has very limited funds. Will let her know.

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 6:22 pm Subject:

As a matter of fact when I filed for my BK, the lawyer I paid for didn't do anything just his paralegal did all of the work. You don't have to be an attorney to file paperwork.

That's good that you found a paralegal that can do the paperwork for you. Numerous times I have done my family member's bankruptcies, filed it and everything and I just asked that they pay for the filing fees. I didn't ask for anything in return. I didn't want them to file but they had no choice.

Oh the things we learn now instead of back then. I could have saved myself so much money.

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 7:33 pm Subject:

Isn't that the truth!

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 8:05 pm Subject:

Lorri that was a great post and information. Hopefully some will realize that they can utilize paralegals this way also

Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 9:05 pm Subject:

That's definitely the way to go if your case isn't too involved. You could save a lot of money.

Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 11:39 am Subject:

Alexandra---I remember the paralegal telling me that it wasn't a difficult process and thats why they have do it yourself bankruptcies (which sounds just like what you do with your friends). I guess where it gets more complicated is if you own a business or property or something?

Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 11:42 am Subject:

irish---Sometimes paying a little extra money is worth it to get something taken care of and out of your way. I totally understand why!

The paralegal I worked with also took care of all calls from creditors and THAT in itself was a real blessing. Its like once you say BK, the creditors ask for a case number and phone number and that's it.

Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 12:16 pm Subject:

So far today the onlyone giving me a hard time is that True Logic and for the life of me I do not remember having a sears charge, but then again at that time I had a very ill child - so who knows. They were just very snotty on the phone about the whole thing - but then again - I think that to go after someone for a 14 year old debt is pretty drastic!

*Name:
*Email:
*Phone:
*Zip:
Debt

	* denotes required field

Internet's first get-out-of-debt community - 129,000 members

Using a Paralegal for Bankruptcy

Members Area

Free Debt Counseling

Ask the community

Community Photos

Featured Discussions

Featured Articles

Question of the Month

Also See

Recent Forum Discussions

Recent Blog Post