Corporations and other businesses are required to declare bankruptcy through an attorney. However, individuals are allowed to represent themselves in bankruptcy proceedings. You may be tempted to declare bankruptcy without a lawyer’s assistance. The process may appear simple. You may wish to avoid involving others in a situation that is already stressful. And obviously, money can be tight during this process. However, there are excellent reasons to ask for an attorney’s advice and assistance during any bankruptcy.

A bankruptcy proceeding can be an extremely stressful situation. There is no reason to go through that stress without getting the most benefit possible out of it. An attorney can help you ensure that your bankruptcy goes smoothly and save you money—as well as stress—in the long run. Here are some things a bankruptcy attorney can offer:

A bankruptcy attorney can provide you with information

Bankruptcy law can be complex and a bankruptcy case can take several months to complete. This can add stress to what is already a bad situation. A A bankruptcy attorney can offer expertise

Bankruptcies require a lot of paperwork. Different bankruptcy courts have different rules. You must provide the bankruptcy court with information on all of your debts, property, and financial information. Bankruptcies involve communication with the court, creditors, and trustees. You must also follow the rules specific to the court in your jurisdiction.

All paperwork for a bankruptcy must be filled out correctly, or you can risk not having your debts cancelled. Bankruptcy documents are randomly audited to prevent fraud. If you make a mistake in providing information, you can face prosecution for fraud. Obviously, the best way to protect yourself is to get the help of a lawyer who has experience in these issues.

To get the most out of your bankruptcy proceeding and protect yourself from mistakes, it is vital to get an attorney’s assistance. An attorney who practices in bankruptcy law will understand how to submit information to the courts and to your creditors, to ensure that your debts will be discharged.

A bankruptcy attorney can offer protection

Even after you retain a lawyer, your creditors can still contact you. However, a bankruptcy attorney can help to stop harassing phone calls. Having someone else take over the hassle of dealing with your creditors can save you time and energy—and make sure that you gain peace of mind during as well as after the bankruptcy process. Your attorney can also help you make sure that debts discharged during your bankruptcy do not show up on credit reports in the future.

Bankruptcy can be a painful process, but there are ways to reduce the stress involved. An attorney can help you get the most out of your bankruptcy, prevent mistakes, and protect you before, during, and after the filing process.