Forms You Must File in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must complete a packet of bankruptcy forms and file them with your local bankruptcy court. Here's a list of the many forms you'll need to file for Chapter 7 and where to find them.

The Official Bankruptcy Forms

Almost all the forms you'll need are official bankruptcy forms available on the United States Courts Bankruptcy Form webpage. You can download the online forms and print them out for filing.

Forms You Need to File in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Here's a list of the forms all individuals must file in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. You'll notice that you have two means test form choices (the means test qualifies you for Chapter 7). If you're exempt from taking the means test, use bankruptcy form 122A-1 Supp.

Also, check the "Forms You Might Need to File in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy" section for the forms required in some but not all cases. You'll find forms to request a fee waiver, report an eviction, list a spouse's household expenses, and report bankruptcy fees you've paid, along with the bankruptcy form you'll need if your gross income exceeds qualifying limits.

This bankruptcy form list is for individual bankruptcy filers only. Businesses filing for Chapter 7 should use the "non-individual" bankruptcy forms and seek professional advice because Chapter 7 is rarely filed by businesses. Your bankruptcy lawyer can explain what small businesses can expect in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy Forms Chapter 7 Filers Must Use in Individual Cases

101 Voluntary Petition for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy

106Dec Declaration About an Individual Debtor's Schedules

106Sum Summary of Your Assets and Liabilities and Certain Statistical Information

106A/B Schedule A/B: Property

106C Schedule C: The Property You Claim as Exempt

106D Schedule D: Creditors Who Hold Claims Secured by Property

106E/F Schedule E/F: Creditors Who Have Unsecured Claims

106G Schedule G: Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases

106H Schedule H: Your Codebtors

106I Schedule I: Your Income

106J Schedule J: Your Expenses

107 Statement of Financial Affairs for Individuals Filing Bankruptcy

108 Statement of Intention for Individuals Filing Under Chapter 7

121 Your Statement About Your Social Security Numbers

122A-1 or 122A-1Supp Chapter 7 Statement of Your Current Monthly Income or Statement of Exemption from Presumption of Abuse Under §707(b)(2)

2010 Notice Required by 11 U.S.C. §342(b) for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy (the notice must be provided to filer but the local court determines whether it must be filed with the other bankruptcy forms)

Creditor Matrix or List: You'll provide a mailing label list of your creditors using a format determined by your local bankruptcy court. The "Local Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Forms" section below explains how to find this requirement.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Form Used After Filing

423 Certification About a Financial Management Course (you'll use this bankruptcy form if the debtor education course provider doesn't file your certificate for you)

Forms You Might Need to File in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

These forms don't apply in every case. You'll likely need one if:

• you're dealing with eviction
• you can't pay the filing fee
• your spouse lives in a separate household
• you paid a bankruptcy preparer or bankruptcy lawyer for help, or
• you don't pass the first part of the means test or don't need to take it.

If you're unsure how to use the forms, a qualified bankruptcy lawyer's advice can be invaluable. For instance, did you know that married spouses who live separately have an easier time qualifying for Chapter 7? If not, you probably need a bankruptcy lawyer to explain how your bankruptcy form disclosures will impact your case.

Find out your options when you can't afford a Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Eviction Forms

101A Initial Statement About an Eviction Judgment Against You

101B Statement About Payment of an Eviction Judgment Against You

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Fee Waiver Forms

103A Application for Individuals to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments

103B Application to Have Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived

Chapter 7 Separate Household Expense Form

106J-2 Schedule J-2: Expenses for Separate Household of Debtor 2 (use if you and your spouse live in different places)

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Assistance Forms

119 Bankruptcy Petition Preparer's Notice, Declaration and Signature

2030 Disclosure of Compensation of Attorney for Debtor

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Means Test Forms

122A-1Supp Statement of Exemption from Presumption of Abuse (use if you qualify for a means test exception)

122A-2 Chapter 7 Means Test Calculation (use if your gross income exceeds the allowed amount)

Local Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Forms

We don't list the local forms your local bankruptcy court could require in addition to the list of creditors here because they vary widely. You can learn more about your local bankruptcy court's requirements by checking the local rules on the bankruptcy court's website or calling the court clerk.

If you're unsure how to find your local court's information, try using the Federal Court Finder. If you'd like more information about finding local bankruptcy forms, see How to Get and File the Bankruptcy Forms.

Meet With a Bankruptcy Lawyer

Many people find it challenging to file for bankruptcy without an attorney unless they have a straightforward case. If you have any questions, consider consulting with a bankruptcy lawyer. Many offer a free initial consultation.

Learn more about completing the bankruptcy forms and filing for bankruptcy.

Need More Bankruptcy Help?

Did you know Nolo has been making the law easy for over fifty years? It's true—and we want to make sure you find what you need. Below you'll find more articles explaining how bankruptcy works. And don't forget that our bankruptcy homepage is the best place to start if you have other questions!

We wholeheartedly encourage research and learning, but online articles can't address all bankruptcy issues or the facts of your case. The best way to protect your assets in bankruptcy is by hiring a local bankruptcy lawyer.

Updated September 28, 2022