Get debt relief now. We've helped 205 clients find attorneys today.

What is your total debt?

Please select an answer
Continue

What is your total debt?

Please select an answer
Continue

Completing the Bankruptcy Forms

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 gives 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.

You'll need to know where to find the forms, what type of information they require, and general instructions on how to complete them. 

When filing for bankruptcy, you'll disclose your income, debts, property, and transactions on a bankruptcy petition and schedules. You'll list all of your property on Schedule A/B of the bankruptcy forms.

On Schedule C of the bankruptcy petition, you list all of the property you claim is exempt. A filer can protect exempt property listed on Schedule C in bankruptcy.

On Schedule E/F of the bankruptcy petition, you list all unsecured claims. Learn more.

When you file for bankruptcy, you must list your legal interest in your real estate, including the type of property ownership. Here are some of the common types of property ownership.

If you are filing for bankruptcy without your spouse and living separately, the marital adjustment deduction could help you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Learn how completing Chapter 7's declaration of separate households can help you pass the means test.

Learn about completing the official bankruptcy forms used in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

On the Statement of Intention for Individuals Filing Under Chapter 7 (Form 108), you tell the bankruptcy trustee and secured creditors what you intend to do with secured property and unexpired leases.

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.

If you cannot afford to pay the $335 filing fee in full or in installments, you can file an Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived (Form 103B).

Amending a bankruptcy form is usually an easy process. Here's how to do it.

Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo

Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.

Want to enjoy a debt-free life? Help is here.
Stop creditors and get more time to pay.

Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.

More Legal Issues

Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.

Learn About Our Team

Learn About Our Team

Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.

Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.

Need a Lawyer? We Can Help

Find an experienced, local attorney in three easy steps. Our process is designed for ease and simplicity.

01

Describe Your Case

Briefly tell us about your case, and provide your contact information.

02

Get Connected

We find and instantly list attorneys that can best handle your case.

03

Hire an Attorney

Choose the attorneys you would like to work with.

Integrity and Expertise You Can Rely On

Get Professional Help
Get debt relief now.
We've helped 205 clients find attorneys today.

What is your total debt?

Please select an answer
Continue

How It Works

  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you