In some occasions a debtor may be eligible for free legal assistance or consultation for bankruptcy through non-profit organizations or state supported programs. Check with your local Bar Association, Consumer Protection Group or Community Support Organization to see if you may qualify for free legal assistance.

Just because you're overburdened with debt and fear that you have no choice but to declare bankruptcy, that doesn't mean it will be easily possible. Bankruptcy law has changed a great deal in the last few years, and you probably won't be able to declare a personal bankruptcy until you're well behind on all of your bills.

While bankruptcy law was originally intended to allow you to make a second start after incurring overwhelming debt, don't expect it to be easy or simple to file these days. You'll have to set up payment plans for all your existing debts, and in most cases they'll be handled by a court-appointed trustee who will collect the money from you to pay them.