What Is a Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant? (And Why Attorneys Are Hiring Them in 2025)

A Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant (VBA) is a trained professional who supports debtor bankruptcy attorneys by preparing high-quality Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions—remotely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. These skilled assistants work under the direct supervision of bankruptcy attorneys, helping streamline the petition process and reduce in-office workload.

 

How the Virtual Bankruptcy Process Works

The process begins when the attorney provides their client with a set of bankruptcy intake forms, which the client fills out and returns. The attorney also collects the necessary documentation required for due diligence—guided by a checklist provided by the VBA.

 

Once the intake forms and documents are ready, they’re emailed to the Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant, who uses specialized training (such as that developed by 713Training.com) to:

• Prepare a complete and court-compliant bankruptcy petition
• Identify any missing information or red flags
• Compile a list of follow-up questions for the debtor

 

The attorney (or VBA) then conducts a brief client interview by phone to gather the final details. Once the petition is complete, the VBA delivers a ready-to-review PDF back to the attorney. After the attorney’s final approval, the petition is filed electronically via PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records).

 

Why Attorneys Are Hiring Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants

In today’s legal landscape, efficiency is everything. By outsourcing petition preparation to a remote VBA, law firms benefit from:

• Lower overhead costs
• Increased accuracy and professionalism
• Faster turnaround times
• Fewer office interruptions

 

Many attorneys choose to work with one or more VBAs to manage growing caseloads without expanding staff or office space. The result? A smoother workflow and better service for clients—and the courts.

 

The Role of the NAVBA

The National Association of Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants (NAVBA) is the leading professional organization dedicated to educating, certifying, and promoting excellence within the VBA profession. Established in 2001 by industry pioneer Victoria Ring, NAVBA offers the Accredited Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant Exam—a credential that bankruptcy attorneys across the U.S. use to identify top-tier VBAs, legal assistants, and paralegals.

NAVBA also works to raise awareness about the value that skilled Virtual Bankruptcy Assistants bring to law practices, offering training, resources, and a national network for both professionals and the attorneys they serve.

 

Want to Learn More or Hire a Certified VBA?

Visit NAVBA.org to connect with accredited virtual bankruptcy assistants and explore membership, training, or certification options.