When it comes to getting out of financial debt, many people mistakenly feel that they can just file for Washington DC bankruptcy and all of their problems will be solved. However, this is just not the case. It may seem simple to start the bankruptcy process and have all your debt just paid by someone else, but you can bet it's not quite that simple. The world of debt can be very stressful, and understanding your legal rights and available options is the first step in resolving your financial problems. Whether you're seeking to file for Washington DC bankruptcy or are looking for bankruptcy alternatives, knowing when to consult a Washington DC bankruptcy lawyer can be a matter of financial life or death. If you determine that filing personal bankruptcy is the best option, you should learn more about the current bankruptcy laws by contacting a Washington DC bankruptcy lawyer. Personal bankruptcy is an important decision and the law and it's effect on one's particular situation can be very complicated. It is not necessary to use a lawyer in order to file for bankruptcy, but you will be better off to hire a Washington DC bankruptcy lawyer who has years of experience in the personal bankruptcy field. Once your paperwork is properly filed through your local bankruptcy court, a trustee is appointed and an "automatic stay" will be entered. This "automatic stay" will not only help in stopping all of the threatening and harassing calls and letters that you've been receiving, but it will prevent any action at all from your creditors. Don't feel humiliated or ashamed by the thought of filing personal bankruptcy. Your credit history will be further damaged if you ignore your outstanding debts and do nothing to remedy the situation. Personal bankruptcy will allow you to take control of your finances and your life.