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Filing for Bankruptcy (Individuals)

(Before Filing)

Step 1 :

Credit Counseling
Mandatory Credit Counseling Individual debtors must obtain bankruptcy credit counseling within 180 days before filing. This must be done either by phone or online.  When completed, the agency will mail or email a certificate of completion to you, which MUST be filed with your bankruptcy papers. Complete list of approved credit counseling agencies.

Step 2 :

Complete paperwork

Chapter 7
Fee: $338

Chapter 13
Fee: $313

Money Order or Certified Check ONLY
(payable to “Clerk, U.S Bankruptcy Court”)

Complete Packet Ch. 7
 
Chapter 7 Checklist

Complete Packet Ch. 13
 
Chapter 13 Checklist

Emergency Filing Packet (Individual Ch. 7, 13, or 11)
(only recommended if emergency exists)
 

Step 3 :

Submit paperwork

Filing your Case

“Filing” a case means that you submit it to the Court to be processed and opened.  Once opened, you will receive a case number.  Filing options for pro se debtors include:

Option 1:
(recommended)

Quickly upload your documents online! Mail the fee on the same day to the appropriate courthouse location

Option 2:

Mail your papers to the appropriate courthouse location

Option 3:

During business hours, deposit papers in the drop box at either courthouse location

*Current government issued photo I.D. of the debtor and anyone filing the case for the debtor must be presented at the time of filing.  If filing online, upload a copy of your I.D.as an additional document.

More Information for Debtors: