Can low-income individuals file bankruptcy in MA without a lawyer?

Bankruptcy Law Discussions Forum
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I have a friend who’s in a tough spot financially. Back in 2018, he accidentally swiped a car pulling out of a parking spot. Normally, it might’ve been the other driver’s fault, but at the time, he was struggling with substance abuse and didn’t take any pictures or get a police report. Fast forward to 2022, he got a notice for a Zoom court date and was found responsible for $19K to the other driver’s insurance company—even though the vehicle listed didn’t even match the police report description.

He’s been sober since 2020 and is paying the $19K from his SSI checks. After rent and utilities, he only has $250 left each month. If he stops paying, they’ll suspend his license. Bankruptcy seems like his only option, but he’s worried about the cost and navigating it alone. I’ve thought about helping with the paperwork, but my job is too demanding. Is there a way for someone in his situation to file bankruptcy without a lawyer or at a reduced cost?

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He might qualify for pro bono legal help. There are organizations and clinics that help people with low income file for bankruptcy.

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Dezi said:
He might qualify for pro bono legal help. There are organizations and clinics that help people with low income file for bankruptcy.

Agreed. In Massachusetts, there are legal aid programs that could assist him for free or at a very low cost.

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Dezi said:
He might qualify for pro bono legal help. There are organizations and clinics that help people with low income file for bankruptcy.

He should definitely look into legal aid. Bankruptcy can be too tricky to navigate alone, especially with his situation.

5

If he’s low income, he can also ask the court to waive the $338 filing fee. That might help a bit with the cost.

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Hayden said:
If he’s low income, he can also ask the court to waive the $338 filing fee. That might help a bit with the cost.

Yeah, waiving the filing fee is possible, but he might still need help with the paperwork. Pro bono legal aid is probably his best bet.

7

Bankruptcy is complicated, and going without a lawyer can be risky. Has he tried reaching out to any local clinics that specialize in debt issues?

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Sorrell said:
Bankruptcy is complicated, and going without a lawyer can be risky. Has he tried reaching out to any local clinics that specialize in debt issues?

Good point. There are clinics that help indigent individuals with bankruptcy filings. They’re usually pretty reliable.

9

It’s unfortunate he’s in this position after working hard to rebuild his credit. If he does file, it might help to find a clinic that also offers counseling on how to recover financially afterward.

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Noor said:
It’s unfortunate he’s in this position after working hard to rebuild his credit. If he does file, it might help to find a clinic that also offers counseling on how to recover financially afterward.

Absolutely. Filing bankruptcy doesn’t mean the end of good credit. With the right guidance, he can bounce back.

11

He should definitely look into pro bono help or sliding scale fees. Bankruptcy lawyers sometimes offer consultations for free, so he can at least get advice before filing.

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Noa said:
He should definitely look into pro bono help or sliding scale fees. Bankruptcy lawyers sometimes offer consultations for free, so he can at least get advice before filing.

Good idea. Even if he just gets a consultation, it’ll give him a clearer idea of what to expect and what options he has.