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Filing Checklist

Information for Filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Individual or Joint Petition

Use this checklist to be sure you have all the documents to proceed whether you are filing with or without an attorney.

Important Note: Before filing a petition, you must receive credit counseling briefing.  See FAQ 29 for more information.

Have you read?

Have you completed the following forms for filing?

  • Mailing List: A mailing list prepared following LBF 104 instructions.
  • Statement About Your Social Security Numbers: Official Form 121
  • Petition: Official Form 101
  • Attorney's Disclosure Statement: [if debtor is represented by an attorney].  For Chapter 13 use LBF 1305.
  • Individual Debtor’s Statement of Intention: Official Form 108 (Chapter 7 only)
  • Financial Review of Debtor's Non-Farming/Non-Fishing Business: LBF Exhibit D-2 (Chapter 13 only)
  • Financial Review of Debtor's Farming/Fishing Business: LBF Exhibit D-1 (Chapter 13 only)
  • Summary of Your Assets and Liabilities: Official Form 106 Summary
  • Schedules : Schedules A/B, C, D, E/F, G, H, I & J (Official Forms 106A-J)
  • Declaration About an Individual Debtor’s Schedules: Official Form 106 Declaration
  • Statement of Financial Affairs for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy: Official Form 107
  • Statement of Your Current Monthly Income : For Chapter 7 use Official Form 122A-1. Completion of this form will determine whether Official Form 122A-2 or Official Form 122A-1Supp is also required. For Chapter 13 use Official Form 122C-1 . Completion of this form will determine whether Official Form 122C-2 is also required.
  • Certificate of Credit Counseling or Motion for Extension of Time/Exemption: Required with case opening documents. Briefing must be obtained in the 180-day period before filing the petition. See the U.S. trustee website for a list of approved credit counseling providers. If this certificate or a motion for extension or exemption on LBF 100.3 is not filed with the petition, your case may be immediately dismissed. 
  • Chapter 13 Plan: LBF 1300.24 (Chapter 13 only)

Have you obtained documents you will need to show or provide to the trustee after you file?

  • Federal income tax return: most recent copy
  • Pay Stubs: Copies of pay stubs from employer for 60-day period before filing of petition
  • Accounts: Copies of checking, savings, and investment accounts showing balances as of day of filing of petition
  • Statement of Your Current Monthly Income and Expenses: Documentation used to support Official Form 122A-1 (and Official Form 122A-2 if required) or Official Form 122C-1 (and Official Form 122C-2 if required) completed in prior step.  
  • Picture ID:  issued by a governmental unit or other personal identifying information
  • Evidence of your social security number: or written statement that documentation does not exist

Regarding the Filing Fee

  • Pay Filing Fees: Mail check or money order payable to “Clerk – U.S. Bankruptcy Court”, or file LBF 110 (Application to Pay in Installments) or Official Form 103B (Application for Waiver of  Chapter 7 Filing Fee).

After receiving the notice for the Meeting of Creditors

  • Prepare for Meeting of Creditors: Read the notice for the Meeting of Creditors carefully for the date, time, and location of meeting and other important information
  • Mail tax return 7 days before meeting: Mail a copy of your federal income tax return to the case trustee so it is received no later than 7 days before the meeting
  • Pay Stubs within 14 days after filing: Mail copies of pay stubs to the U.S. Trustee (in a chapter 7 case) or the case trustee (in a chapter 13 case) within 14 days after filing the petition
  • Gather Documents: to bring to the Meeting of Creditors – picture ID, evidence of SSN, copies of checking, savings, and investment account statements, documentation used to support Official Form 122A-1 (and Official Form 122A-2 if required) or Official Form 122C-1 (and Official Form 122C-2 if required) completed in prior step.
  • Financial Management Course Certification: Complete the financial management course from an approved provider and file proof of completion with the Bankruptcy Court