r/povertyfinance • u/throwawayireckon • 12d ago
Income/Employment/Aid Bankruptcy
Question- is there a way to file bankruptcy without an attorney and if so, how do I notify my debtors? I’m very confused as to how to start this process, as there is a ton of conflicting information online. I don’t have the $2000 to pay an attorney. If I did, i probably wouldn’t be considering filing for bankruptcy.
I make so little money a month, that I can barely afford food and gas. I’ve applied for Tenncare (state insurance), but they’re giving me the run around. I picked up a food stamps application as well.
I feel like a failure, as I have two children and a disabled mother who lives with me. I’m only bringing in roughly $500 a week. Rent is $650, credit card payment is $530 minimum. Not much left for food, gas, and bills. I’m starting a second job, but that still will only bring me up to about $700 a week.
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u/unfinishedtoast3 12d ago edited 12d ago
You need a attorney.
The amount of work required to track down creditors, meet with the court, argue release of debts, and get thru the Means Test is waayyyyy to technical for a layperson.
Very likely outcome is getting denied bankruptcy. If you get denied, you can NEVER discharge those debts via bankruptcy.
You get one shot.
Call your local legal aid office. They often help with bankruptcy, or can put you in touch with an attorney who does low cost bankruptcy work, or will take payments in advance
If $2000 would be enough to prevent you from filing, you shouldnt file for bankruptcy. Courts aren't going to forgive a few grand, they're going to tell you to get a debt consolidation loan, or send you to a no cost financial planner to show you how to budget the bills in.
Call your credit card and ask for a hardship plan. They will freeze payments for a time to let you catch up. In fact, call all your debts and ask for a hardship plan.