There are many ways to prepare your bankruptcy documents, from do-it-yourself kits to hiring a bankruptcy petition preparer. However, not all methods are created equal.
While petition preparers may seem like a low-cost solution, even small filing errors can delay your case or put your debt relief at risk. Keep reading to learn more about the dangers of bankruptcy petition preparer services and how an experienced attorney can provide proper guidance.
A Preparer Service Cannot Suggest Legal Options
The most significant risk of using a service to create your bankruptcy petition is that the preparer is not an attorney. That means that they cannot provide you with the legal advice you need to determine if you should file Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or seek an alternative avenue for debt relief altogether. The law prohibits these service providers from offering any sort of legal advice, nor can they appear on your behalf in court or attend mandatory 341 meetings with creditors.
It Is Illegal for a Preparer To Identify Exemptions
Another serious drawback of using a petition preparer service is that they are not allowed to advise you on which assets are protected, or “exempt,” under the law. You are entitled to keep certain property, such as your home, vehicle, and retirement accounts. Without proper legal guidance, you could risk losing important assets that an attorney could have helped you protect.
Can a Preparer Protect You Against Potential Fraud?
A bankruptcy petition preparer service is limited to administrative tasks. They can fill out your forms based on the information you provide, but they cannot offer legal advice or protect you from potential mistakes. Without proper guidance, it’s easy to overlook important details or make errors that affect your case. Working with an experienced attorney helps ensure your bankruptcy is done correctly and gives you peace of mind from start to finish.
A Preparer Service Can Derail Your Case
Mistakes and omissions can lead to a dismissal in bankruptcy court. The last thing you want is to have to start from the beginning, especially after you have already paid a fee to have your documents prepared. If this happens to you, you will not have a lawyer to defend you. A bankruptcy attorney can easily spot common preparation errors that do not meet court standards and are in danger of having your petition case thrown out.
Mistakes or missing information can cause your case to be dismissed in bankruptcy court. Starting over after paying a preparer’s fee can be frustrating and costly, especially without a lawyer to stand by you. A bankruptcy attorney can identify and correct common errors before they cause problems, helping ensure your case meets court standards and moves forward smoothly.
Find Out Why Working with a Bankruptcy Attorney Is Safer Than Using a Petition Preparer
Understanding the risks of bankruptcy petition preparer services is essential before making any decisions. While these services might appear to save money at first, the lack of legal training and guidance often leads to costly mistakes, lost assets, and higher court or attorney fees later on.
Protect your financial future by working with professionals who can guide you through the process the right way. Contact the experienced attorneys at Walker & Walker Law Offices, PLLC for clear, reliable advice. You do not have to put any money down to start your debt relief case today.