While bankruptcy does offer struggling borrowers a variety of advantages, the laws governing these programs are extremely complex, which makes successfully navigating the system difficult for those without legal experience. Many online resources and books offer to guide you through the process, but the O'Neill Law Firm in La Crosse, WI, recommends turning to an experienced bankruptcy attorney instead.

As these lawyers explain, there a variety of reasons you shouldn't file a bankruptcy petition yourself, including:

• Lost Property: If you're filing for a Chapter 7, the trustee will be entitled to seize your assets to pay off outstanding debts. However, state law and the federal bankruptcy code make a wide variety of your belongings exempt from seizure. Without the in-depth legal experience of a bankruptcy attorney, you may inadvertently surrender property you would have been able to keep.
• Delayed Petitions: Filing for bankruptcy involves a great deal of paperwork, all of which must be completed accurately and submitted on time. Even small mistakes can delay getting the debt relief you need or even cause the court to dismiss your petition entirely. After a thorough examination of your financial situation, a bankruptcy attorney will complete and submit the petition for you, ensuring that you receive all of the benefits you're entitled to under the law.
• Forgotten Debts: Self-filing petitioners often leave unsecured debts out of their filings, usually because they believed it couldn't be discharged. A bankruptcy attorney will include all eligible debts so you can restart your financial life with the lightest financial burden possible.

Drawing upon years of experience helping borrowers reclaim their lives from debt, the O'Neill Law Firm have the training and experience to guide you through every step of this overwhelming process. To learn more about their services and to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (608) 519-3551 today.