Filing Without an Attorney?

If you do not have an attorney, and you are filing or involved in a bankruptcy case in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York, you may get information in person about the bankruptcy process and filing requirements from the Pro Se Law Clerk’s Office. The Pro Se Law Clerk may answer questions about bankruptcy forms, schedules and procedure, but CANNOT prepare your petition or forms for you. The Pro Se Law Clerk is employed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and can only provide administrative and procedural information to self-represented litigants. Legal advice cannot be provided. Should you need representation, referrals can be made to a Legal Services Provider or to a Bar Association Legal Referral Service. Bankruptcy has long-term financial consequences, and it is strongly recommended that you be represented by an attorney.

Obtaining Assistance from the Pro Se Law Clerk

• Brooklyn Filers
• Central Islip Filers

Useful Information

• Accessing Legal Research for Free
• Approved Credit Counseling Agencies
• Approved Debtor Education Providers
• Bankruptcy Basics
• Bar Association Legal Referrals
• Filing for Bankruptcy Without an Attorney (Web page available on the Federal Judiciary's national Web site)
• Foreclosure Prevention Resources (posted 5/27/08)
• Glossary of Bankruptcy Terms
• Information About Credit Counseling and Debtor Education From the FTC
• Instructions on Downloading Bankruptcy Forms
• Means Testing Information
• Obtaining a Free Credit Report
• Obtaining Tax Records
• Organizations Providing Free Legal Services for Indigent Chapter 7 Filers
• Personal Bankruptcy: Is It Right For You? (Publication of the City Bar Justice Center)