Filing For Bankruptcy? Check Out This Article!
Filing for bankruptcy is a complex process. It involves a lot of paperwork at federal and local levels. Luckily, there are resources to help you find the information you need to put your financial past behind you.
Federal Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms
If you’re filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you’ll need to fill out the U.S. government’s official bankruptcy forms found at http://www.uscourts.gov/forms/bankruptcy-forms. There are nine forms in total. These forms include:
- B 103B – Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived
- B 108 – Statement of Intention for Individuals Filing Under Chapter 7
- B 122A-1 – Chapter 7 Statement of Your Current Monthly Income
- B 122A-2 – Chapter 7 Means Test Calculation
- B 309A – Notice of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case – No Proof of Claim Deadline (For Individuals or Joint Debtors)
- B 309B – Notice of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case – Proof of Claim Deadline Set (For Individuals or Joint Debtors)
- B 309C – Notice of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case – No Proof of Claim Deadline Set (For Corporations or Partnerships)
- B 309D – Notice of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case – Proof of Claim Deadline Set (For Corporations or Partnerships)
- B 318 – Discharge of Debtor in a Chapter 7 Case
Local Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms
These forms are a little harder to track down. You can start by searching online for your state and county’s bankruptcy court website. But there are a couple websites that may be helpful, too. Try http://www.justice.gov/courtlinks or http://www.uscourts.gov/court_locator.aspx to track down information about your local government’s bankruptcy filing requirements, or contact a local bankruptcy attorney.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy checklist
To ensure the proper paperwork and steps are followed:
- Consult a bankruptcy attorney
- Complete and submit all of the federal government forms for Chapter 7 bankruptcy
- Complete and submit all of the required local forms for Chapter 7 bankruptcy
- Keep track of any court dates or hearings to ensure attendance
- Log any questions you have along the way and ask the proper official for answers. Missing a step can cause you time and money.