Filing California Bankruptcy

Corporations and partnerships must have an attorney to file a bankruptcy case. Individuals, however, may represent themselves in bankruptcy court. While individuals can file a bankruptcy case without an attorney or "pro se," it is extremely difficult to do it successfully.

It is very important that a bankruptcy case be filed and handled correctly. The rules are very technical, and a misstep may affect a debtor's rights. For example, a debtor whose case is dismissed for failure to file a required document, such as a credit counseling certificate, may lose the right to file another case or lose protections in a later case, including the benefit of the automatic stay. Bankruptcy has long-term financial and legal consequences - hiring a competent attorney is strongly recommended.

Taken from http://www.uscourts.gov/bankruptcycourts/prose.html
As noted by the U.S. Courts

Credit Counseling

• obtain credit counseling 180 days before filing a case
• provide statement of compliance
• maintain certificate of credit counseling

Bankruptcy Forms

We have provided a list of forms for your convenience from the U.S.Bankruptcy Court Website

OFFICIAL BANKRUPTCY FORMS

Petition Preparers

• Non-attorney petition preparers type information on Bankruptcy Forms
• Petition preparers are barred by law from providing legal advice
• Petition preparers must sign all documents they prepare; print their name, address, and social security number on such documents
• Non-attorney petition preparers cannot sign a document on the debtor's behalf or receive payment from the debtor for court fees.

Bankruptcy Basics

• Process
• The Discharge in Bankruptcy
• Chapter 7 Liquidation Under the Bankruptcy Code
• Chapter 13 Individual Debt Adjustment
• Chapter 11 Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code
• Chapter 12 Family Farmer Bankruptcy or Family Fisherman Bankruptcy
• Chapter 9 Municipality Bankruptcy
• Chapter 15 Ancillary and Other Cross-Border Cases
• SCRA Service members' Civil Relief Act
• SIPA Securities Investor Protection Act
• Glossary - Terms You Need to Know
• Bankruptcy Lawyers