Why should you hire bankruptcy attorney

Why should you hire bankruptcy attorney instead of paralegal for Bankruptcy case

As more and more people are forced to file for bankruptcy in the United States, the popularity of paralegals, also commonly referred to as “typing services” or “petition preparers” has increased as well. However, it’s important to be aware that paralegals are only capable of drawing up bankruptcy forms, and cannot act in a court of law and cannot legally provide advice regarding your bankruptcy case.

Before making any firm decisions regarding your bankruptcy case, it’s vital that you know who can help, and what they can do to help. Don’t get trapped having your papers drawn up by a paralegal only to later find out that they won’t be representing your case in court.

 

Paralegals CANNOT offer Legal Advice

To clear up any confusion, let’s just start with the facts. Filing your bankruptcy documents does not in any way mean that your bankruptcy claim has been filed, rather, it’s just the beginning. You’ll be required to attend hears, answer questions regarding your assets, additional claims to be filed and the possibility of motions or objections in court to be answered. A paralegal can do none of these things for you. If you’ve already filed your bankruptcy claim without the assistance of a lawyer and feel that a portion of the file was filled our incorrectly, assets that you want to keep, like your home, car and furniture may be put at risk.

Unfortunately, lots of people that are in need of filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy still don’t seem to care that a paralegal cannot give them legal advice and continue to urge the paralegal typing up their casework to guide them through their case. They seem to think that paralegals know as much about Bankruptcy Law as attorneys, but just don’t charge as much. This is highly illegal and falls under a practice called Unauthorized Practice of Law. (UPL)

 

Questions You’ll Need an Attorney to Answer

Let’s check out a list of several questions that you’ll want an experienced Bankruptcy Lawyer to answer in regards to your case.

– Should you be filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy action?

  • What forms do I need to fill out?
  • What else do I need to turn in with my paperwork?
  • Can I keep my ___________? (car, house, jewelry, inheritance, etc…)
  • Can filing for bankruptcy stop a ____________? (foreclosure, garnishment, repossession, etc…)
  • My debts are almost all from my business. Should my LLC file bankruptcy or should I?
  • I filed for bankruptcy three years ago, can I file again now?
  • I had a very high income, but was recently laid off. Do I qualify to file for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

 

If any of these simple questions look like something that you’ll need to the answer to, you’ll be in need of an experienced Los Angeles Bankruptcy Attorney. Legally, a paralegal is required NOT to give answers or advice regarding any of these questions.

Contact Us Today

If you or one of your loved ones are currently considering filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, don’t wait, contact the offices of KE Law today. We look forward to getting you back on your feet as quickly as possible. Contact us at 323.426.8300.