Buyer Beware – Why You Should Avoid Document Preparers for Your Bankruptcy

All legal documents…….Perfect?  Wow!  This person could have gone with “documents prepared right!”  or “documents prepared to high standards!”  But they went with “perfect”.  That is setting the bar pretty high!.

Today when I was leaving court from my latest debt collection trial I saw this sign hanging on a fence near the courthouse. Many times, particularly when you are facing bankruptcy or a debt collection lawsuit money is tight and the last thing you need is an expensive attorney wanting money as well.

I get it and understand it.  And I understand that it is this exact motivation that leads people to hiring a document preparer rather than a bankruptcy lawyer – after all bankruptcy is just a few forms you fill out, file them with the court, and BAM!  You are debt free.  Right?

There are times when I truly wish it were that easy.  The fact of the matter is bankruptcy is a complex set of laws that can work in your favor and eliminate all of your debt.  For the unwary they can also be a series of landmines that can result in your bankruptcy case being dismissed or even worse you could end up losing assets.

My point is, as with all things, if it sounds too be good to be true it likely is.  And when is the last time you received something that was both perfect and inexpensive:) ?

Legal fees are no fun to pay, and I don’t know a single attorney that will offer perfection, but in the bankruptcy realm it may turn out to be some of the best money you can spend.