A bankruptcy filing is a serious matter and should not be handled by amateurs. Yet, this can happen if you decide to work with a non-legal bankruptcy petition preparer (BPP) agency. The dangers of bankruptcy petition preparer services are many and can lead to negative outcomes.
In this post, we will examine why this is a bad choice for debtors and why it is best to work with an experienced bankruptcy attorney from Walker & Walker Law Offices. Our caring and dedicated legal team could help you seek relief from your financial burdens and discharge your debts through effective bankruptcy filings.
No Legal Guidance
Bankruptcy filings require solid legal knowledge and experience to be successful. When debtors use pro se filers, they are effectively denying themselves the benefit of competent legal guidance and representation.
BPP agencies’ function is to prepare documents, but those documents are often filled with errors. In fact, the proliferation of these services has caused so much damage that the U.S. Trustee Program had to file thousands of formal actions against erring parties.
Some of the risks involved with using BPP services are that they do not have the qualifications for court representation, will not be present during Section 341 meetings with creditors, and provide no legal support during creditor inquisitions. These roles can only be filled by a seasoned bankruptcy attorney.
Asset Loss and Monetary Penalties
Bankruptcy petitions are delicate and highly nuanced. A bankruptcy lawyer can review a case and determine if a borrower needs to file a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition.
Another hazard of using a BPP service provider is that they may file under the wrong chapter. An inaccuracy, incorrect information, or filing under the wrong chapter can result in the loss of a filer’s assets, property, car, or household items. This is contradictory to the purpose of filing for bankruptcy and can put you in a worse situation.
What Can Lead to Case Dismissal?
Some BPP services may be competent, but you are taking a risk, as many have been known to make costly mistakes during filing. Common mistakes include failure to correctly list assets and debts. This mistake often leads to the court dismissing the bankruptcy petition.
Some BPP agencies do not follow standard practices or abuse the system while preparing bankruptcy forms. This has resulted in an increase in fraudulent bankruptcy petitions that ultimately hurt the filer.
Call a Minneapolis Bankruptcy Lawyer To Avoid the Dangers of Petition Preparer Services
With all the dangers of bankruptcy petition preparer services, it is best to hire an experienced Minneapolis attorney from Walker & Walker Law Offices. Our bankruptcy lawyers will properly evaluate your case, provide skilled legal guidance and support, correctly file your petition under the right chapter, and work to get your debts discharged.
Contact us today to explore your legal options.
