LSC-funded legal aid offices, pro bono programs, and bankruptcy court self-help for New Jersey residents.
To get free bankruptcy help in New Jersey, contact an LSC-funded legal aid office (Central Jersey Legal Services, Inc.; Essex-Newark Legal Services Project, Inc.; Legal Services of Northwest Jersey; Northeast New Jersey Legal Services Corporation; South Jersey Legal Services, Inc.), use the LawHelp.org directory, or visit the self-help resources of the District of New Jersey. Legal aid is free for residents who qualify financially (typically 125-200% of the federal poverty level).
These are the Legal Services Corporation-funded civil legal aid programs serving New Jersey. They provide free legal help to residents who meet income guidelines (typically 125-200% of the federal poverty level). Many handle consumer debt, foreclosure defense, and bankruptcy.
Not sure which office covers your county? Use the LSC address-based legal-aid locator or the national LawHelp.org directory.
Federal bankruptcy cases in New Jersey are filed in the court(s) below. Court staff cannot give legal advice, but many operate self-help desks, pro se assistance programs, and publish local forms and pro bono attorney lists.
Many law schools operate clinics where law students, supervised by licensed attorneys, provide free representation in consumer bankruptcy cases. Contact ABA-accredited law schools in New Jersey or search the National Consumer Law Center directory.
State and local bar associations operate pro bono referral and reduced-fee ("low-bono") programs that match qualifying residents with volunteer attorneys, some of whom handle bankruptcy.
Federal law requires an approved credit-counseling course before filing and a debtor-education course before discharge. The U.S. Trustee approves agencies for each judicial district; many offer free sessions for low-income debtors.