If you are considering bankruptcy in North Carolina but cannot afford an attorney, free help is available. The organizations below provide legal assistance at no cost to qualifying residents. You can also visit lawhelp.org/NC for the most up-to-date directory of free legal services in North Carolina.
Need immediate help?
Start with lawhelp.org/NC to find the legal aid office nearest you in North Carolina. You can also call your local bankruptcy court (listed below) for information about self-help resources and pro se filing assistance.
Legal Aid Organizations
Legal Aid of North Carolina
Statewide legal aid for low-income North Carolinians. Handles consumer debt, foreclosure, and bankruptcy.
Pisgah Legal Services (Asheville)
Free legal services in western North Carolina.
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy
Free legal services in the Charlotte area.
Law School Bankruptcy Clinics
Duke University School of Law Clinics
Legal clinics in Durham.
University of North Carolina School of Law Clinics
Legal clinics in Chapel Hill.
Wake Forest University School of Law Clinics
Legal clinics in Winston-Salem.
Bar Association Pro Bono
North Carolina Bar Association Pro Bono
Contact the bar association for pro bono referrals and reduced-fee attorney programs.
Bankruptcy Courts in North Carolina
These are the federal bankruptcy courts serving North Carolina. Many courts offer self-help desks, pro se workshops, and links to local volunteer attorney programs.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of North Carolina
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of North Carolina
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of North Carolina
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
Credit Counseling
Federal law requires two counseling sessions for bankruptcy filers: credit counseling before filing, and debtor education before discharge. Visit the U.S. Trustee's list of approved agencies to find providers approved for North Carolina. Many agencies offer free or reduced-cost sessions for low-income individuals.
Additional Resources
- LawHelp.org/NC -- Find free legal help in North Carolina
- NACBA Find an Attorney -- Locate consumer bankruptcy attorneys (some offer free consultations)
- Browse all states -- Back to the full state directory
- 1328(f) Discharge Screener -- Free tool to check if you are eligible for a bankruptcy discharge