Bankruptsy

Well, I have to declare bankruptsy. 
Hired a lawyer to handle things, and still have steps to go.
Why do they force you to hire an attorney, with money you don't really have because you are bankrupt, in order to prove that you are bankrupt?
Well, the lawyer I hired charged me $500 and the others wanted $1500, so I guess that's a plus.
I've lost everything.
I get to start over with nothing, again.
grrrh