Some people choose to use a bankruptcy petition preparer instead of a St. Louis bankruptcy attorney for their filing. They do this because a petition preparer is cheaper. The filer might believe they are getting the same service at a discounted price, but this is not the case. The petition preparer has strict limitations on what they can and cannot do for a debtor. A lawyer can be of substantial assistance in this process and potentially find exemptions worth thousands of dollars that the filer might miss.
A bankruptcy petition preparer is not a bankruptcy attorney and therefore cannot give any legal advice or guidance during the process. They simply fill out forms on behalf of the debtor and make sure they are done properly. They only put down the debts the debtors tells them to and they only apply the exemptions found by the debtor. Essentially, a person is on their own when they use a petition preparer.
On the other hand, an attorney can handle the process and make sure that a debtor pays back no more than they have to (if anything at all). They can identify any and all exemptions that may apply and make sure that the debtor takes advantage of them. Because the exemptions can be worth thousands, it makes financial sense to pay a little more to make sure nothing is overlooked.
At Westbrook Law Group, we work to help people through their bankruptcy and help them get a fresh start. We understand how difficult overwhelming debt can be. We know how stressful and isolating it can be for a person to pay back onerous debt. We are here to help. If you have debt problems in St. Louis, St. Charles, Lincoln County, or Jefferson County, contact Westbrook Law Group today for a free consultation.
