Completing the Bankruptcy Forms
Get helpful information on the forms you must complete to file for bankruptcy.
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When you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must complete a large packet of forms. These "official bankruptcy forms" consist of:
- the bankruptcy petition -- which provides information about you and your case
- a series of schedules -- which give the court a picture of your financial situation, and
- various other forms.
You file many of the same forms for both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, with a few exceptions.
Below we provide information about each of the official forms: where to find it, what type of information it requires, and general instructions on how to complete it. Remember, these documents form the crux of your bankruptcy case, so be sure to consult with an attorney, a comprehensive self-help book, or both, before you complete them.
Getting Started
For articles on the cost of bankruptcy, a list of forms you'll need, and other information you'll need to complete the bankruptcy forms, start here.
Click on the link for articles on filing costs, getting the forms, finding state and regional income and expense figures, and more.
The Voluntary Petition
Here's information about, and tips for completing, the flagship form in your bankruptcy -- the voluntary petition.
The voluntary petition contains information about you and your bankruptcy.
Exhibit D to the bankruptcy petition lets the court know that you've complied with the prebankruptcy credit counseling requirement.
Schedules to the Voluntary Petition
The bankruptcy schedules provide the court with detailed information about your finances.
On Schedule A of the bankruptcy forms, you list all of your real property.
On Schedule B of the bankruptcy forms, you list all of your personal property.
On Schedule C of the bankruptcy petition, you list all of the property you claim is exempt.
On Schedule D of the bankruptcy petition, you list all creditors who hold claims secured by your property.
On Schedule E of the bankruptcy petition, you list all unsecured priority claims. Learn more.
On Schedule F of the bankruptcy petition, you list all unsecured nonpriority creditors.
On Schedule G of the bankruptcy forms, you list all ongoing contracts and leases to which you are a party.
On Schedule H of the bankruptcy petition, you list all of your codebtors.
On Schedule I of the bankruptcy petition, you include your current monthly income from all sources.
Here's who to include as a dependent on Schedule I of the bankruptcy petition.
On Schedule J of the bankruptcy petition, you list your average monthly expenses for you and your family.
The Summary of Schedules summarizes the detailed financial information you provide to the court in other documents.
In this form, you swear under penalty of perjury that the information you've provided in the bankruptcy schedules is true.
When you file for bankruptcy, you must list your legal interest in your real estate. Here are some of the common types of property ownership.
Means Test and Disposable Income Forms
In Chapter 7 you must take the means test. In Chapter 13 you must calculate your disposable income.
On Form 22A of the bankruptcy forms, you determine if you pass or fail the "means test."
On Form 22C you calculate your disposable income and determine how long your plan will last in Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
If you are filing for bankruptcy without your spouse, the marital adjustment deduction may help you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Click on the link to find more articles on the Chapter 7 means test.
Other Official Bankruptcy Forms
In the Statement of Financial Affairs (Form 7) you provide a summary of your financial history before you filed for bankruptcy.
On the Statement of Intention (Form 8) in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you tell the trustee and secured creditors what you intend to do with secured property and unexpired leases.
You must provide your full social security number on this form, but it is not disclosed to the public.
Before you get a bankruptcy discharge, you must file a Certification stating that you took a debtor education course. Here are the details.
When you file for bankruptcy, you must list all of your creditors and their addresses on the creditor mailing list or mailing matrix. This notifies them of the bankruptcy and automatic stay.
Learn about the consequences of failing to list a creditor on your bankruptcy creditor mailing list -- and what to do to fix it.
Fee Waivers & Paying in Installments
You might be able to get the bankruptcy filing fee waived, or pay it in installments.
If the bankruptcy court approves your Application to Pay Filing Fee in Installments (Form 3A), you can pay the filing fee in four separate payments.
Find out if you qualify for a waiver of the Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fee.
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