What is the Bankruptcy Project?
If you are thinking about filing for bankruptcy and you are looking for assistance, you may qualify for free legal assistance through our Bankruptcy Project. The Bankruptcy Project is a cooperative project involving SJLS, Rutgers Law School, the federal bankruptcy court and volunteer, pro bono bankruptcy attorneys. Through this Project, cases are referred to volunteer attorneys for bankruptcy advice and, where appropriate, representation.
How Do I Apply?
To learn if you are eligible for bankruptcy assistance, please contact our Centralized Intake Unit at 1-800-496-4570 to be screened for eligibility. Intake hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 4:00pm. You may also Apply Online to submit an application for consideration. Once submitted, SJLS will contact you within 2 business days.
At this initial review, the intake unit will decide if you are financially eligible to participate in The Bankruptcy Project. An intake staff member will ask for information about your income, family size, assets and the reason for which you are seeking help. All of the information that you share will remain confidential. If you are financially eligible, the case is referred to our Private Attorney Involvement Program (PAI).
Our PAI staff will review your case and determine whether your case is one which meet our established guidelines for representation. The Bankruptcy Project handles only “Chapter 7” cases. Individuals who satisfy the eligibility guidelines are sent a packet of information to complete and return. Once all of the information and documents are received by SJLS, your case is referred to either the Rutgers Bankruptcy Pro Bono Project or to one of our volunteer private attorneys. Once referred, the attorney will review your case and, if appropriate, assist you with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing and representation.
What Happens Next?
All other cases are referred to the South Jersey Bankruptcy Practitioners’ Group or to the SJLS/PAI private panel. The cases referred to the volunteer attorneys are scheduled by that office for an interview with the attorney and possible preparation of a bankruptcy petition. The Bankruptcy Project only handles Chapter 7 cases. If a determination is made that the case should be filed under Chapter 13, the client is referred to the appropriate county Lawyer Referral Service.