Successfully completing a bankruptcy case can be very challenging, especially a chapter 13 case.  Your chance of success greatly increases if you hire an attorney before or immediately after starting a bankruptcy case.  Often, a bankruptcy attorney will only charge a small fee for a chapter 7 case.  The attorney may charge a portion of a fee upfront in a chapter 13 case and collect the rest of the fee over the next three to five years through your chapter 13 plan.
Some people, who are not lawyers,  may ask you to pay them to help you with a bankruptcy case.  A bankruptcy petition preparer, paralegal, out-of-state service, or internet service may not obtain for you all the benefits that a bankruptcy attorney can provide.  
While they can help with putting together your documents, these services cannot provide the additional support necessary to complete a case and are prohibited from providing legal advice.
Below are a couple of options for obtaining help:

• Free Representation.   If you meet certain income qualifications, you may be able to receive free legal representation.  Contact South Carolina Legal Services for more information at 1-888-346-5592 or find out more here(link is external). 
• Make an Appointment for Bankruptcy Ask-a-Lawyer.  The Court in conjunction with the S.C. Bar operates a monthly Ask-A-Lawyer program.  The program allows you to speak with a lawyer by telephone for free about bankruptcy.  Call 803-765-5045 to make an appointment to speak with a bankruptcy lawyer or click here to learn more about the dates of the program.
• Email for Help. The South Carolina Bar provides free legal advice by email for persons below a certain income level. Visit "Talk to a Lawyer for Free"(link is external) for more information.
• Receive a Lawyer Referral.  The South Carolina Bar maintains a list of lawyers in your area willing to meet with you for a small fee.  Call the Bar’s referral service at 1-800-868-2284 to learn more.