helping with Chptr 7

What is the name of your state? AZ

Friend of mine has decided that a way he wants to make money on the side is advertising to help people file chptr 7. However, he knows nothing about filing. I told him to get the Nolo Press book. I have 2 questions:

a) Do you have to file paperwork with the court in order to become a preparer or could he do it and just have them sign as if they prepared the documents themselves?

b) Does anyone know if the military has special rules regarding their personnel filing bankruptcy?

His first victim is married and her husband is in the army. I have had friends who were in the army and airforce and there were things that ordinary civilans could do and suffer no recourse but not always the same for military personnel. I know that he can file one but I was wondering if anyone knew anything as far as any problems it could cause him in the military. I told my friend that he should have the guy talk to his commanding officer and find out if he would suffer any type of military discipline. I remember once my friend who was a srgt in the airforce cosigned on a vehicle for a girlfriend and she defaulted on the loan. He was served with papers garnishing his wages and he got into so much trouble with the military behind it. They don't appear to take it to lightly defaulting on your obligations.

Thanks for all your help.

[Ladynred]

In general, there are no military penalties for filing for bankruptcy. I found info once for someone in the military and what I sent him came directly from the US Army's website.

Where there can be some problems is in security clearances. In certain situations, not paying your bills CAN be a problem in the military. Your friend should consult with the JAG office on post to make sure he won't run into any problems.

As for someone 'off the street' preparing bankruptcy papers.. no way I'd do it. The BK code is VERY complicated and one slip-up can get you into a LOT of hot water. Just buying the NOLO book is NOT going to educate this person enough to genuinely help people file. It's not even a guarantee that he'll get the FORMS filled out right ! Paralegals do this sort of thing, but they are NOT lawyers and they are NOT trained to interpret the laws.

Thanks Ladynred. I felt the same way. He is always looking for a way to make money. I told him the laws are very difficult to interpret in some cases and one screw up can kill you. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink right.