While it is possible to file bankruptcy pro se, or on your own without a lawyer, bankruptcy laws and requirements have become increasingly complex. There are a number of new provisions under federal bankruptcy laws that you may not be aware of if you choose to proceed in bankruptcy court without the assistance of a lawyer. For instance, all debtors must undergo credit counseling with an approved credit counseling agency prior to filing for bankruptcy relief. Some debtors may not qualify for Chapter 7 debt discharge, depending on their level of income; determining whether a debtor qualifies for Chapter 7 under the newly-created means test can be complicated, and is best left to the experienced assessment of a bankruptcy lawyer.