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.

The Bankruptcy Forms: Getting Started
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.

Voluntary Petition (Official Bankruptcy Form 1)
The voluntary petition contains information about you and your bankruptcy.
Exhibit D to the Bankruptcy Petition
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.

Schedule A -- Real Property
On Schedule A of the bankruptcy forms, you list all of your real property.
Schedule B -- Personal Property
On Schedule B of the bankruptcy forms, you list all of your personal property.
Schedule C -- Property Claimed as Exempt
On Schedule C of the bankruptcy petition, you list all of the property you claim is exempt.
Schedule D -- Creditors Holding Secured Claims
On Schedule D of the bankruptcy petition, you list all creditors who hold claims secured by your property.
Schedule E -- Creditors Holding Unsecured Priority Claims
On Schedule E of the bankruptcy petition, you list all unsecured priority claims. Learn more.
Schedule F -- Creditors Holding Unsecured Nonpriority Claims
On Schedule F of the bankruptcy petition, you list all unsecured nonpriority creditors.
Schedule G -- Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases
On Schedule G of the bankruptcy forms, you list all ongoing contracts and leases to which you are a party.
Schedule H -- Codebtors
On Schedule H of the bankruptcy petition, you list all of your codebtors.
Schedule I -- Current Income of Individual Debtor(s)
On Schedule I of the bankruptcy petition, you include your current monthly income from all sources.
Listing Dependents on Schedule I of the Bankruptcy Petition
Here's who to include as a dependent on Schedule I of the bankruptcy petition.
Schedule J -- Current Expenditures of Individual Debtor(s)
On Schedule J of the bankruptcy petition, you list your average monthly expenses for you and your family.
Summary of Schedules
The Summary of Schedules summarizes the detailed financial information you provide to the court in other documents.
Declaration Concerning Debtor's Schedules
In this form, you swear under penalty of perjury that the information you've provided in the bankruptcy schedules is true.
Common Types of Real Property Ownership
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.

The Means Test (Form 22A) in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
On Form 22A of the bankruptcy forms, you determine if you pass or fail the "means test."
Form 22C in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
On Form 22C you calculate your disposable income and determine how long your plan will last in Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
The Marital Adjustment Deduction on the Means Test
If you are filing for bankruptcy without your spouse, the marital adjustment deduction may help you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Learn About the Means Test
Click on the link to find more articles on the Chapter 7 means test.

Other Official Bankruptcy Forms

Statement of Financial Affairs
In the Statement of Financial Affairs (Form 7) you provide a summary of your financial history before you filed for bankruptcy.
Statement of Intention (Chapter 7)
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.
Statement of Social Security Number
You must provide your full social security number on this form, but it is not disclosed to the public.
Certification of Predischarge Financial Management Course in Bankruptcy
Before you get a bankruptcy discharge, you must file a Certification stating that you took a debtor education course. Here are the details.
The Creditor Mailing List (Mailing Matrix) in Bankruptcy
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.
What happens if I leave a creditor off my mailing matrix?
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.

Application to Pay Bankruptcy Filing Fee 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.
Application for Waiver of Chapter 7 Filing Fee
Find out if you qualify for a waiver of the Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fee.