How to Fill Out Bankruptcy Papers
- 1). Choose the type of bankruptcy you are filing. The most common types are Chapter 7, Chapter 11 and Chapter 13. Individuals and businesses seeking debt discharge typically file under Chapter 7; Chapters 11 and 13 allow businesses and individuals to reorganize and structure how to pay the debt back.
- 2). Obtain the proper bankruptcy forms. Once you decide on the type of bankruptcy, contact the bankruptcy court nearest to your home and obtain all the forms and schedules you need for that type. You can find these forms online. Use the checklist and the online forms bank from the U.S. District Court website to obtain the forms over the Internet. See the links in the resources.
- 3). Write down detailed information about every creditor you have, the amount you owe each creditor, each piece of property you own, the value of the property and information about your income and expenses. Include how much you get paid, how often you are paid and information about your bills including rent, food costs, utilities and miscellaneous issues, such as child support.'
- 4). Write the required information on the lines provided on the forms. For example, under the "All Other Names Used by the Debtor in the Last 8 Years" box in the voluntary petition, write "None" if you have not used any other names or list the other names you have used in the last eight years (including your maiden name, if applicable).
- 5). Check the appropriate box for sections on the form that have checklists. For example, the voluntary petition has a "Type of Debtor" box that has options you must check. If you are a partnership, check the "Partnership" box.
- 6). Use the information you gathered about your creditors, assets and finances to complete each document and schedule required by writing information on the lines provided or checking the appropriate boxes.
Source...