Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy requires the completion of many forms. When you file for bankruptcy protection, your financial history is presented on forty to seventy pages of petitions and schedules.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms can be categorized into two groups: official forms and local forms. Official forms are used by all bankruptcy courts in the nation. Local forms are used in each jurisdiction and the usage varies according to the customs of the local bankruptcy court. If a person files for bankruptcy protection, it is important to contact their local bankruptcy court to determine which forms need to be completed.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Forms
The list of official forms that are required to be completed in order to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy is extensive.
- Voluntary Petition
- Exhibit A
- Exhibit C
- Exhibit D
- Application and Order to Pay Filing Fee in Installments
- Application to Waive Filing Fee
- Summary of Schedules
- Schedule A – Real Property
- Schedule B – Personal Property
- Schedule C – Property Claimed as Exempt
- Schedule D – Creditors Holding Secured Claims
- Schedule E – Creditors Holding Unsecured Priority Claims
- Schedule F – Creditors Holding Secured Priority Claims
- Schedule G – Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases
- Schedule H – Co-Debtors
- Schedule I – Your Income
- Schedule J – Your Expenses
- Declaration Concerning Debtor’s Schedules
- Statement of Financial Affairs
- Chapter 7 Individual Debtors Statement of Intention
- Statement of Social Security Number
- Chapter 7 Statement of Current Monthly Income
- Statement of Exemption from Presumption of Abuse
- Chapter 7 Means Test Calculation
- Debtor’s Certification of Completion of Instructional Course
- Notice to Consumer Debtors Under Bankruptcy Code 342(b)
One of the most important documents that is listed is the Means Test Calculation. Since Chapter 7 bankruptcy filers must meet certain income qualifications, this test determines whether a person is able to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection.
In addition, successful completion of these forms requires a person to gather financial information from the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and Transunion), automobile value assessments, home value assessments, bills from creditors, assessment of value of personal property and financial information. There is a lot of work required to file for bankruptcy protection.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is not the only solution to solving debt problems. If you are overwhelmed by debt, there is an alternative available. Jed Shaw is a bankruptcy attorney who specializes in helping people solve debt problems through a unique and ethical alternative to bankruptcy. Do you want to learn more about this popular alternative? Contact Jed Shaw and the Shaw Defense team at 713-750-9038 for immediate assistance. You have options. Your fresh start does not have to begin with filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy.