Can You Use a Notary for Your Bankruptcy?

Each year, thousands of people file for bankruptcy without hiring a lawyer. Because money is tight, many of them assume that representing themselves “pro se” is their only option.

Other debtors end up going to a notary public, thinking this person can help with a bankruptcy filing. Unfortunately, notary publics cannot provide legal services in the United States. They are not qualified to help with bankruptcy or any other legal issue, and they cannot offer legal advice. Instead, callResolve Law Firm. A Los Angeles bankruptcy lawyer with our firm can answer your questions and help you decide if bankruptcy is right for you. There is no risk to picking up the phone and calling.

A Notary in the U.S. is Not Like a Notario Publico

In many Latin American countries, a notario publico is a person who can offer legal advice. They are usually lawyers with many years of service, sometimes decades as licensed lawyers. A notario publico is an important person in many Latin American countries.

A “notary” in the United States—also called a “notary public”—isvastly different. The names might be similar, but the powers and duties are as different as night from day.

In the United States, a notary’s primary job is to verify the identity of people signing documents. They will ask to see proof of identification and then watch you sign your legal document. The notary then adds their stamp and signature to attest they have confirmed your identity before you signed. And that’s pretty much all a notary can do.

In the United States, notaries cannot offer legal advice. There is no requirement that a notary public in the U.S. have legal training, and very few of them are lawyers. Instead, they simply take certain courses to satisfy their state’s licensing requirement.

In fact, it’s a crime to offer unauthorized legal advice. A notary in the U.S could be prosecuted if they try to act as a lawyer without a bar license.

Instead of calling a notary, please contact Resolve Law Firm. Our Los Angeles bankruptcy lawyer can provide proper legal advice, fill out forms, and represent you in the bankruptcy.

Can You Use a Petition Preparer?

Some companies advertise bankruptcy petition preparation services. You essentially contact them and they request information from you. Then they enter the information into bankruptcy forms.

This might seem like a useful service. It saves you time and money to have them prepare the forms and print them off. All you need to do is sign and then file.

However, petition preparers can’t offer legal advice. They can’t tell you whether you are filing the correct bankruptcy or whether you should delay filing. They also cannot research complex questions or go into court and represent you before the judge.

Why You Need a Los Angeles Bankruptcy Attorney

We provide affordable legal services to men and women dealing with crushing debts. You will benefit from contacting us to talk about your debts in a free, thirty-minute consultation.

Our Los Angeles bankruptcy lawyer can:

1. Help you decide if bankruptcy is the right option or if you should try debt management or debt settlement. There’s no reason to rush in and file for bankruptcy if that’s not the correct choice based on where you are in life.
2. Identify which bankruptcy option works best for your situation. Consumers usually choose between a Chapter 7 or 13. However, these are quite different, and you should know going in which one will help achieve your goals.
3. Review whether you meet the eligibility requirements for bankruptcy. Federal law limits who may apply for each bankruptcy, and there’s no point starting the process if you aren’t even eligible. For example, you must pass a means test if you want to file for Chapter 7 liquidation. Our firm can review if you will pass the test.
4. Help you identify all assets and liabilities which you need to report to the bankruptcy court when you file. You don’t want to make errors or leave off an asset.
5. Fill out your schedules and other court forms so they are accurate and complete. We will do this for you.
6. File your bankruptcy petition and supporting schedules. We know the correct court to file in.
7. Open an adversary proceeding, where appropriate, as part of your bankruptcy. For example, you might try to discharge student loans because they are burdensome. That requires that you start an adversary proceeding.
8. Attend court and the Meeting of Creditors with you. We can help you understand what to expect.
9. Take whatever steps are necessary to ensure your bankruptcy stays on track.

This is a brief sample of the services we provide. Only a lawyer can do all of the services listed above. A notary public or accountant can’t.

We Are Affordable

Obviously, expense is a big concern. You wouldn’t be contemplating bankruptcy if money wasn’t an issue. Still, there’s no reason to run the risk of representing yourself. Those who file pro se tend to be less satisfied with their bankruptcy. You are alsoless likely to get your debts discharged at the end of the process.

If you file for Chapter 13 protection, you can roll your legal fees into your payment plan. That makes it easier to pay off your attorney. And we can discuss options if you hope to file for Chapter 7.

We have helped hundreds of people complete bankruptcy. You owe it to yourself to obtain the most qualified legal help possible. Nothing is more frustrating—or potentially devastating financially—than filing for bankruptcy only to have your case dismissed.

Financial Freedom is Within Reach

Resolve Law Firm opened our doors to provide legal representation to the Los Angeles community. Instead of hiring a notary or document preparer, connect with our law firm. We know how to get bankruptcy petitions filed the correct way, and we always strive to make the process as smooth as possible. Call us to speak with a lawyer for free!