FILING WITHOUT AN ATTORNEY

Bankruptcy is a complicated legal proceeding with serious consequences.

If you choose to file on your own without an attorney, this is called "pro se filing".


The links on this page may provide information that may assist you with pro se filing and answer some of your general questions about filing for Bankruptcy.


Bankruptcy Basics video series
Please note that the Clerk's Office is prohibited from giving legal advice or assisting you with the preparation of forms.
Have you obtained your credit counseling certificate? If not, your bankruptcy case may be dismissed. See the U.S. Trustee website for a list of US Trustee Approved Credit Counseling Agencies and Debtor Education Courses.
Bankruptcy fraud is a felony under federal criminal law and may result in arrest, fine or imprisonment.
General information about bankruptcy for debtors not represented by an attorney may be found in our Pro Se Debtor Guide.
The Administrative Office of U.S. Courts website also has information about Filing for Bankruptcy Without an Attorney.
Information on limited free legal counsel in central Illinois is available from this  Locator for Consumers Needing Pro Bono Bankruptcy Services link.  By clicking on the state within the interactive national map, you will be led to the name, location and essential details for all bankruptcy pro bono providers near them, including any critical limitations on the services provided.