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(Scroll down to Step 1 or click any section below.)
☐ Government ID and Social Security card
☐ Last 2 years of federal/state tax returns
☐ Last 6 months of pay stubs or income proof
☐ 3–6 months of bank and credit card statements
☐ List of all creditors and balances
☐ Titles, deeds, and loan statements
☐ Insurance and retirement account statements
☐ Any lawsuits, judgments, or garnishments
☐ Credit counseling certificate (pre-filing)
☐ Debtor education certificate (post-filing)
Decide between Chapter 7 (faster, liquidates non-exempt assets) and Chapter 13 (repayment plan, catch up on secured debts).
Gather: last 2 years tax returns, last 6 months of income proof, 3–6 months bank/credit statements, full creditor list, assets list, ID/SSN card, proof of address, titles/loans, any lawsuits/judgments/garnishments.
Confirm eligibility using official median income/expense standards.
You must take a credit counseling course from an approved provider before filing.
https://www.uscourts.gov/court-programs/bankruptcy/credit-counseling-and-debtor-education-courses (note: AL/NC use Bankruptcy Administrators) United States Courts
Fill Out the Bankruptcy Forms (Fillable PDFs)
File with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for your district (some accept limited pro-se e-filing; many require in-person or mail).
Brief Q&A under oath with the trustee; bring ID/SSN and any requested docs.
You must complete a financial management/debtor education course after filing and file the certificate to receive a discharge.
If all requirements are met and no objections are sustained, the court issues your discharge order. Keep copies permanently.
Chapter 7 ~3–6 months after filing
Chapter 13 after plan completion
Trustee & Court Follow-Up (Do Not Skip)
Provide tax return/transcript to the trustee if requested.
(many providers e-file; confirm)
Provide tax return/transcript to the trustee if requested.
PACER “Find a Case” info – https://www.uscourts.gov/court-records/find-a-case-pacer United States Courts
PACER main (create account/login) – https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ PACER
(nationwide index) – https://pcl.uscourts.gov/ PACER Case Locator
Estimated time: 10–15 minutes per weekly check during the first 3 months.
Chapter 7 $338 (may be waived)
Chapter 13 $313 (installments allowed)
This page is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Rules, fees, and forms change; always verify with your local U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
Some districts allow limited pro-se e-filing; others require in-person or mail. Check your court’s site. United States Courts
Depends on exemptions/equity and whether you’re current. Chapter 13 is often used to cure arrears.
Ch.7 up to 10 years
Ch.13 up to 7 years.
Many rebuild sooner with on-time payments and low utilization.
The court sends notice after you file; give your case number if collections continue.
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