More often than not, people try to present their own bankruptcy case in court instead of hiring a bankruptcy lawyer. The downside of this mistake is somewhat far-reaching and unpleasant. Recent times have seen many changes in bankruptcy laws that lay people may not likely understand, but the bankruptcy lawyer does. For example, one could have his case dismissed because of a mistake in the paperwork. Going it alone can lead one down this dark path, but not if there is a bankruptcy lawyer on one's side.