Rick Bloom, a financial advisor and columnist with the Detroit-area Observer & Eccentric, had some direct and stern words for a reader that recently wrote in and asked if he should represent himself when filing bankruptcy.

The reader was concerned about the bankruptcy lawyer's fees. He found some Web sites to help him with the paper work and was considering trying it himself. Naturally, if you're considering filing bankruptcy money can be tight.

But Bloom didn't mince words when offering his take:

I think it is a lousy idea for people to handle their own bankruptcy.

He offered lots of reasons, but perhaps the most compelling:

If you fail to dot all of the “I's” and cross all of the “T's,” you may find you did not get the results you desire and that could lead to problems. After all, your creditors, whether they are a charge card company or a bank, are going to have lawyers represent them. You are at a severe disadvantage if they have an attorney and you don't.

If you are concerned about the costs of filing bankruptcy, there are a few things that you can do:

• Speak with an attorney about fees. As Bloom points out, your lawyer should be able to give you a "good faith estimate" of the costs associated with filing.
• Speak with the local state bar association. Depending on the circumstances, this governing body for bankruptcy lawyers may be able to provide support.
• You need to be comfortable discussing matters with your bankruptcy attorney, especially money matters. If you aren't comfortable with your lawyer, find one that suits you better.

Tags: bankruptcy lawyer, filing bankruptcy