You may qualify for assistance from Legal Aid. Also, the locality in question may have attorneys who volunteer for these type cases; contact the local bar association and see if they have a list. Additionally, you can check to see if there is a law school in your area; they have clinics that might take your case for free or for a reduced rate, depending on your financial circumstances. Finally, you can file yourself without an attorney; the bankruptcy court in question will have online forms (with directions for filling them out). Frankly, having legal assistance is best but people can and, often do, file on their own behalf. You should also be aware that for those with little to no income, the filing fees can be waived.