some lawyers will let you pay a little at a time, but the federal filing fee must be paid before they will file. i filed bankruptcy 15 years ago, and then it was a lot different. You may still owe the money or some of it after the filing, that is under the new code, I do not know what it all entails.

*hug* trying to think of something...

first you may want to check the state bankrutpcy laws since they very from state to state.i have a friend in NC.who got help filling out his forms from by finding a lawyer who did pro-bono work by looking on line.but i do beleave cunningquist is correct that the federal fees must be paid up front.also i'm sure if you can find a borders or barnes and nobels you can find a book on the forms to help ya,or go to the library.there may also be publicly funded lawyers to handle your needs in or around a large city near you,check bermingham directory..good luck.