It is misleading to say you can file bankruptcy online. To date, it is only legal to do the paperwork online. You must take the actual forms to the courthouse. This is the only way you can file your bankruptcy petition in the United States and in many other countries. What term file bankruptcy online actually refers to is the ability to access the required forms. If you "file" online, you can often receive free advice on how to fill in the bankruptcy forms. The different sites can also guide you through the selection of possible bankruptcies choices. This is all without the extra cost of a lawyer. Depending upon the complexity of your financial situation, you may or may not decide to take this route. Be careful to screen the sites you select. Make sure the forms and the information they provide you are pertinent both to your situation and your State, Province, County or Country. Finally, make sure you present the accurately completed forms to be filed with the bankruptcy clerk of your region.