Bankruptcy law can be very complex, particularly  Chapter 13 cases. Over 95% of people who filed a chapter 13 bankruptcy case without an attorney, did not have their debts cleared and did not get their discharge.*  Most of these people would have gotten better results with the assistance of an attorney. We strongly encourage you to consult with an attorney before filing.

Things to know and consider before you file: 

• Consider participating in our Self-Help Program
• Bankruptcy Resources from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts  
• Credit Counseling - Required Before Filing
• Videos on the Bankruptcy Process - A series of nine educational YouTube videos on the bankruptcy process produced by the Administrative Office of the US Courts.
• Filing for Bankruptcy: What to Know - Consumer Information from the Federal Trade Commission.
• Glossary of Common Bankruptcy Terms from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts  
• Your Money's Best Friend from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)
• Free Foreclosure Counseling from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)
• Why your case might get dismissed

*In Calendar Year 2014 - 170 CH. 13 cases were filed by people without an attorney, 162 of these cases failed. In Calendar Year 2013 - 159 CH. 13 cases were filed by people without an attorney, 157 of these cases failed. (Source: US Bankruptcy Court Official Statistics)