If you filed a bankruptcy Petition and are seeking relief from your creditors through a chapter 13 case, you are a “Debtor.” If you filed a bankruptcy case on your own, without using an attorney, and if you intend to represent yourself in Bankruptcy Court, you are a “Pro Se Debtor.”

The law does not require a bankruptcy Debtor to have an attorney. But, bankruptcy is complicated, and neither your chapter 13 trustee nor the Bankruptcy Court can give you any legal advice. So, if you are representing yourself, you are on your own when it comes to setting up a chapter 13 Plan that does what it is legally required to do, and gives you the benefits and options to which you are entitled under the law.

Statistically, your chances of success go up considerably if you use an attorney.

Most people who file bankruptcy as Pro Se Debtors do so because an attorney can be expensive. But attorneys who represent bankruptcy Debtors understand that you may not have a lot of money to pay them up front. As a result, most attorneys are willing to work with you on your fees, and they can help you find ways to pay. It all depends on your individual situation.