Sample Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition
How often I have seen Pro Se Debtors huddled around this Sample Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition at the United States Bankruptcy Court in Woodland Hills. Of course, the material is hopefully helpful as a sample to ALL debtors wherever you may reside given the general uniformity of these forms in the federal bankruptcy courts.
I lecture directly from this sample bankruptcy petition at my self-help seminar and it is routine to see Pro Se Debtors return 2-3 times to self-help to gain additional insight into how to fill out their petitions.
Below is a copy of that very Sample Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition for your view and use:
The self-help desk at the Bankruptcy Court typically does not give out copies of this sample primarily so that debtors don’t simply copy down the information verbatim. Still, if used properly as an exemplar, I hope you all find this instructive and that it helps you fill out your Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition.
The self-help desk is an excellent resource and I am very proud to volunteer for the Public Counsel’s Debtor Assistance Project on a weekly basis. I believe firmly in empowering Pro Se Debtors and helping to answer their questions, but if you decide you need bankruptcy counsel please make sure to get the help and attention you need. The experience and insight of a good bankruptcy attorney is a valuable thing and can help you avoid the countless ways your bankruptcy can go awry.
If you still need some additional help and hiring a bankruptcy attorney is simply not feasible, I often recommend Nolo’s incredible resource on the topic of How to File For Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. It is one of the most comprehensive and inexpensive resources on the topic. It is also found in most public libraries.
How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
UPDATE: This Sample Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition has been minorly updated. You might also review the 2010 Updated Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition.
UPDATE 3/20/2013: Further updates to this Sample Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition have occurred. Please see 2013 Sample Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition.
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15 comments
Its a great sample, people will get all information related to bankruptcy procedure and documents, forms and all about bk. Thanks and keep it up..DIY4LAW
Thank you so much for the look at the chapter 7 forms as they should be filled out. I have no money for an attorney and I’ve been agonizing over the bankruptcy form packet for over a month. Again thank you, it means so much to me that your willing to help.
I have a question, are you suppose to add student loans to Schedule F, I know they can not be discharged but are they still supposed to go on there? Please if anyone knows help!!!!
Yes, student loans go on Schedule F. Student loans are unsecured and are not dischargeable.
I would like to get some more understanding on chp 7 scheduled D.Creditors holding secured claims. this means my 4 law suits. and would i put my medical bills also on the Schedule D? i am prose cant afford an attorney. and on disability. help please.
i would like some info on chapter 7. sch D creditors holding secured claims. what goes on there?
Schedule D should include claims with a lien. For example, car loans, home loans, etc.
If the lawsuits are judgments and a lien has been recorded they go on Schedule D. If there is no lien, they go on Schedule F. Medical bills are unsecured and belong on Schedule F.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ANSWER ON MY FIRST QUESTION.
i HAVE A LOT OF CHARGE OFF ON 2 CARS REPO. AND OTHERS ARE CHARGE CARDS. SHOULD I STILL PUT THEM ON MY SCHEDULE ? YES I DO HAVE MY 3 CREDIT REPORTS ALSO.
ONE OF MY CHARGE OFF CARS THE COLLECTORS WANT ME TO STILL GO TO COURT AND I CALLED THEM TO ASK WHY SHOULD I GO TO COURT ? I SENT THEM PROOF MY DISABILITY LETTER.
I WILL STILL PUT THEM ON MY SCHEDULE D.
3. I HAD A BUSINESS 3 1/2 YEARS AGO. I AM DISABLED. LIVE IN INDIANA. SO IS IT ALRIGHT FOR ME TO NOT EVEN BOTHER WITH THAT?
1. Yes, schedule all your debts even charged off debts and give everyone you could possibly give notice of your bankruptcy.
2. Once you file your bankruptcy your should file a Notice of Stay of Proceeding in the State Court regarding the collector on one of your vehicles.
3. I am not sure exactly what your mean regarding your business. However, on the Statement of Financial Affairs you will be asked if you owned a business in the last six years and you should mention this fact there. If the business is no longer operating and is not an asset there is no reason to list it, but if you have liabilities from the business, you should list in on Schedule F and as a co-debtor on Schedule H.
[...] been updated as of April 2010 and can be found below. This filled out example has replaced the sample chapter 7 bankruptcy petition I lecture from at my self-help desk at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Woodland [...]
I’ve been unemployed for since 2008. I exhausted all my savings and have no property at all. I am considering filing for chapter 7 but can’t afford a lawyer. I only have 2 credit cards with a combined balance of approximately 14K. I would think filing for chapter 7 in my case would be simple as I’m completely broke and only have 2 creditors to list. Can you tell me what exactly what forms apply to me? There’s so many schedules and I’m guessing most don’t apply to me. Thank you.
Please disregard my previous message. It’s becoming clearer for me in terms of what schedules apply in my situation. I will have a few questions once I’m done. Thank you.
Yes! Finally something about bankruptcy!
[...] can’t believe that it has been a couple years since I posted my first Sample Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition. The Sample Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Petition has been revised, improved and updated for [...]