You are here

Filing Without an Attorney: Debtors

Filing for bankruptcy is a serious matter. The consequences may outweigh the benefits.

It is strongly recommended that anyone considering filing bankruptcy consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney. Corporations and partnerships are required to have an attorney.  Individual filers, commonly referred to as "pro se," may represent themselves. Pro se debtors must be familiar with and adhere to all bankruptcy rules and procedures. Failure to follow the appropriate rules or procedures could result in the dismissal of the bankruptcy case.

Information on this site is given as a general overview of the bankruptcy process. It should not be relied upon for your individual situation or taken as legal advice. Talk to an attorney to discuss your situtation.

Court personnel are prohibited from giving legal advice or responding to questions which may constitute legal advice.  General information regarding filing a bankruptcy case, fees, forms, trustees, court locations, calendars, etc. is available on this site, as well as links to other information including the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and the Northern District of Iowa Local Rules.  Note: Questions about how to proceed or what to do are considered requests for legal advice.

If you wish to retain an attorney, contact the Iowa State Bar Association or call the Iowa Legal Aid at (800) 532-1275.

Most debts are dischargeable in bankruptcy. However, certain individual debts may not be dischargeable. The most common examples are: taxes; domestic support obligations; student loans; most fines, penalties, forfeitures or criminal restitution, debts for personal injury or death caused by your operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated; and debts which were not properly listed on the bankruptcy petition and schedules.

Further information about the bankruptcy process and more detailed information for debtors is contained on the Court’s Frequently Asked Questions webpage.