In the current financial scenario, bankruptcy is a Damocles’ sword (from Greek Myth; epitomizing the imminent and ever-present peril faced by those in positions of power) that is hanging above every individual, businessperson and even the corporates. The times have changed, and these laws are becoming more difficult for the common person to understand.

However, bankruptcy filings do cost money, and there are many who do wonder "Can I file for Bankruptcy for free?". Answering this question might be a bit tricky theoretically, but a general suggestion is that you should not go into the court on your own when you are filing for bankruptcy.

The court charges some handling and service charge when a person files for bankruptcy, and one cannot work around these charges. You have to pay the court fees to the bank when you are filing for bankruptcy. Other than that, some people offer classes to people who wish to learn all about bankruptcy, so that they can fight their case in the court on their own.

These classes too cost money, and the beginning price for these classes is around a hundred dollars. If you are not sure that you can understand the technicality of the law and other rules, this money would most probably be a waste – surely not something you would like to do when you are filing for bankruptcy.

Keep in mind that law is a very complicated issue, and even the best of people find it difficult to understand the laws and rules some times.

When it comes to actually arguing the case, you have two choices. Either you can hire a lawyer and pay their court fees, or you can go with the public defender that the court will appoint. Hiring a public defender will be cheaper than hiring a lawyer, but you should keep in mind that a public defender is just some random lawyer who is hired to fight a particular case.

The public defender does not know your case, and does not know you – and would go about their job in a clinical way. If your case is complicated, the public defender may find it difficult to concentrate on your case and win it for you.

Also, you need to keep in mind that not all lawyers are of the same caliber or have the talents to handle each and every case. If you have a weak lawyer, or even a disinterested lawyer, you are liable to lose your case and therefore your bankruptcy issue, which may have some serious repercussions in your personal as well as professional life.

Frankly, you should compare the lawyer that you will hire to a medical doctor you will go to when you are in a medical emergency. Just like how you would want only the best for your medical health, you would also have to hire the best lawyer that your budget can buy when it comes to your litigations.

Several attorneys and lawyers are available and it is important to choose the best one that is qualified, has the track record, and whom you feel comfortable with.