Consult Attorney to File Bankruptcy

Unfortunately, Ron Galperin’s article, “Filing for Bankruptcy Won’t Always Save Your House” (April 12), will result in more individuals filing bankruptcy cases for themselves and unnecessarily losing their properties. Although Mr. Galperin’s article begins strongly by warning consumers not to believe the inflated claims of advertisers, and even quotes the assistant U. S. trustee, the article sadly concludes by suggesting that individuals can save money by doing their own paperwork or “perhaps hiring a paralegal service instead of a law firm.”

The point that should have been stressed is that for anyone who has assets, representing yourself in a bankruptcy case is likely to prove the old adage “he who represents himself has a fool for a client.” A bankruptcy case is not a simple process and, especially for an individual with assets, pre-bankruptcy planning is essential to ensure the best result. Further, only an attorney should give such advice. The Office of the United States Trustee has made a strong effort recently to rid the bankruptcy system of unscrupulous paralegal services that are practicing law without a license. Mr. Galperin’s article directs individuals to exactly the wrong source for competent legal advice.

“You get what you pay for” can often mean the difference between saving one’s home from foreclosure and losing those assets. Especially for individuals who own real property, a professional should be consulted prior to filing a bankruptcy case.

HOWARD M. EHRENBERG

Attorney at law, Toluca Lake