Filing Bankruptcy Pro Se: Is it Really Worth It?

Pro se legal representation: Means advocating on one's own behalf before a Court.

Recently, I have encountered a good number of individuals who decided they could file their Bankruptcy case on their own. It obviously seems like a pretty simple task, since at first glance the documents look like forms that you can just fill out. Unfortunately for these individuals, they are hit with reality when the Bankruptcy Court or the Trustee are requesting additional documents, Financial Management Course Certificates, Declaration Pages, and many other things that are very unlikely to make sense to someone who has not been through the process before or who does not work within the legal field. Filing your case Pro Se can put you in harm's way because if your case gets dismissed and you file a second time you will be faced with even more obstacles.
Individuals must be cautious of bankruptcy preparers and understand that these companies will not provide you with legal representation. It is important when considering bankruptcy you keep in mind that it is a legal proceeding in Federal Court which requires attention and knowledge.
I understand why some people choose to file their bankruptcy without legal representation.  Legal representation costs money and if money wasn't an issue bankruptcy would not be a consideration.  Is this really how you want to cut costs? Bankruptcy should be a solution to your problems not a problem in it of itself.