Q&A: Is it OK that I’m using a paralegal rather than an attorney for my bankruptcy?
Question by Dolkite: Is it OK that I’m using a paralegal rather than an attorney for my bankruptcy?
I’ve decided to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy…my employment hasn’t been steady in the last year and my debts eclipsed my rent even though I was on a debt mgmt company. All my accounts are closed and I haven’t used a card for anything since July (and that was at best a $ 25 grocery purchase). I’ve been living off of temporary jobs and the occasional two-week unemployment benefit. I’m single, live alone in a small apartment, have no assets (not even a car). I have approximately $ 25K in old credit card debt. I’m not a shopaholic…most of the debt was incurred either to help me stay afloat while unemployed (and not receiving UE benefits).
I know bankruptcy will screw my credit, but I don’t really care…I don’t plan on moving anytime soon or buying anything on credit within the next few years. It would be wonderful to be able to put away some savings after paying my bills ($ 1500 a month would pay all my bills and allow me a modest budget of disposable income) would feel wonderful after scraping by for years and praying I don’t lose a job.
I can’t afford to hire an attorney, so I’m having a paralegal help me out. I know an atty would be better, but since I have nothing to save (no assets), I figure things would be pretty cut and dried.
At the moment, I am subsisting on temporary jobs and unemployment benefits during the weeks I am not working. A permanent job could come along, but I’m guessing not for at least another month.
wash – you can make payments to an attorney? I visited one early on in my decision and they quoted me $ 1700, all upfront. I’ve heard that if you screw up your paperwork, you cant file for bankruptcy for a whole year, so I realize the value of an attorney…however, I also have a pretty simple financial matter: no assets, no kids, no mortgage.
Yahir – I don’t know if you’re a real person or not since I see a lot of these links, but just FYI – I was working with a debt mgmt company for about three years before I lost a job and could no longer pay them.
I’m single, no kids, never married.
This paralegal is not working for an attorney…she has her own business. She also told me she has filed for bankruptcy herself a number of times….I don’t know if this is a warning sign or it proves that she knows the ropes as far as what to expect.
Best answer:
Answer by washtocal
You know you can make payments to an attorney.
What do you think? Answer below!
I once worked as a temporary in a lawyers office. Some of those paralegals have years of experience and sometimes know more than the lawyers themselves.
Make sure he has been doing this for at least 5 years. Also, you’d be surprised how much paralegals make – not a shabby income.
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Ask your paralegal if the local Bankruptcy rules allow for her to prepare and file your petition. Also, you need to consider your spouse, if married. Some debts are joint in the typical family.
As long has the paralegal is supervised by an attorney, I see nothing wrong in it and the paralegal is getting some great experience.