How it works

Roughly one in ten consumer bankruptcies is filed without an attorney. Those cases — especially Chapter 13 — are dismissed at far higher rates, usually over fixable paperwork and procedure. You do not have to hire a lawyer for the whole case to fix them.

1

Tell us where your case is filed

Pick your state and bankruptcy court district so you only see attorneys who practice in that court.

2

Choose the task you need handled

Limited-scope work means an attorney handles one defined task — not your entire case — so the cost stays predictable.

3

Contact an attorney directly

You reach out, agree on scope and a flat fee, and the attorney files a limited appearance where the court allows it.

Where pro se cases usually go wrong

  • A Chapter 13 plan dismissed for missed payments or a defective plan
  • Schedules, the means test, or the statement of financial affairs filled out incorrectly
  • A missed 341 meeting of the creditors
  • Missing credit counseling certificates, tax returns, or pay stubs
  • Creditor claims and motions for relief from the automatic stay that went unanswered
  • Trustee allegations of bad faith, omitted assets, or fraudulent filing

The kinds of help you can book

Document and petition review

An attorney reviews your petition, schedules, and plan before filing or before a deadline, and flags the errors that most often lead to dismissal.

Meeting of the Creditors attendance

An attorney prepares you for the 341 meeting and appears with you so trustee questions and document requests are handled correctly.

Answer or motion to creditor claims

An attorney drafts and files responses, objections, or motions addressing proofs of claim and creditor motions in your case.

Assist with fraudulent filing accusations

An attorney responds to trustee or U.S. Trustee allegations of bad faith, omissions, or fraudulent filing and represents you at any hearing.

Other

Your situation doesn't fit the categories above — for example, plan amendments, motion to reinstate a dismissed case, lien stripping, or another limited-scope task. An attorney will ask what you need and quote a flat fee for that specific work.

Ready to get your case back on track?

Search attorneys in your district who take limited-scope bankruptcy work.

Find an attorney