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Filing for Bankruptcy Without an Attorney Corporations and partnerships must have an attorney to file a bankruptcy case. Individuals, however, may represent themselves in bankruptcy court. While individuals can file a bankruptcy case without an attorney or "pro se," it is extremely difficult to do it successfully.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the cheapest way to file bankruptcy because there are ways to reduce or waive costs. If someone has no tangible assets, their filing fee and/or bankruptcy court fee waived.

If your income is less than 150% of the federal poverty guidelines (see the table for Illinois Fee Waiver Eligibility below), you're eligible to apply for a filing fee waiver. The court may hold a waiver hearing. If the court denies your waiver request, you can apply to pay the filing fee in installments.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge your debts: Generally 90 days from start to finish. The usual bankruptcy takes about two weeks to prepare (emergency cases can be prepared and filed in as little as a day).

If you have a limited income, unsecured debts or mostly exempt property, Chapter 7 is your best option. If one of those situations applies to you, you may be completely relieved of your debts without losing too many of your assets. On the other hand, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy only eliminates eligible debts.

The consequences of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy are significant: you will likely lose property, and the negative bankruptcy information will remain on your credit report for ten years after the filing date.