Pro Se

rms, Pro se meaPro se is a Latin word that translates into English to mean "for oneself" or "on one's own behalf." In bankruptcy tens that a bankruptcy filer is filing a bankruptcy case without the aid of a bankruptcy lawyer. Filing Pro se can be successfully done by people who have the time to read and can understand bankruptcy law, but bankruptcy law can be very complicated. It would be wise for most filers to seek out the help of qualified bankruptcy attorney to help them file their case.

Filing bankruptcy for a simple, no-asset Chapter 7 bankruptcy without a lawyer is most common. Fewer debtors are able to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy pro se. If you choose to file Chapter 7 on your own more information can be found on our website, but you can also review the U.S. Court Bankruptcy website to download all of the necessary Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms.

The first step for debtors who want to file bankruptcy is to take the appropriate credit counseling course from an approved credit counseling provider. This course must be taken within 180 days before filing the case. At the completion of the case the debtor must submit the certificate for completion. Debtors who do not complete the credit counseling course may have their case dismissed.

Keep in mind, all bankruptcy filers are expected to understand the bankruptcy laws which govern procedures in the federal courts. Pro se litigants should be familiar with the United States Bankruptcy Code and the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure. Filing pro se will not be a valid reason for debtors to provide false or fraudulent information to the court on their bankruptcy schedules.