How to File Bankruptcy Yourself
By: Max Feo, JD, MBA, Tax LLM
Sometimes, your bankruptcy filing can be “simple” meaning that you do nto have foreclosures, lots of assets or high income. And, you may have bunch of smaller unsecured debts here and there – credit cards, cable bills, shopping bills, etc, etc. And, you may want to just file bankruptcy on your own without paying anyone. While it is not recommended, because bankruptcy filing is not a s simple as you may think, it is not impossible.
Here, you will find guide and resources how to prepare your own bankruptcy petition. This guide is for chapter 7 bankruptcy filing – most commonly used by individuals without too much income and assets, just to get rid of most unsecured debts. Unlike many other articles on the internet, this post contains guide and resources to help you actually complete bankruptcy forms, and then submit them to bankruptcy court.
Bankruptcy Steps.
- Determine your eligibility.
- Fill out the means test.
- Report all debts to three major credit agencies.
- Complete credit counseling.
- Complete bankruptcy forms, including bankruptcy petition.
- File petition paperwork.
- Attend creditor’s meeting.
- Complete personal financial management instruction course.
- Complete court’s requirements and obtain discharge.
Again, it is advised to use bankruptcy attorney or at least bankruptcy preparation service to guide you through the process. But, it is up to you how you file.
Self-Help Bankruptcy Books
I know. nobody reads book anymore. Boring. But, they are excellent reference for learning anything long-term. Surprisingly, there are very few books on the topic. Here is one worthy:
How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
NOLO is one of the best self-help publishers out there. I even used some of its books as a reference to prepare bankruptcy petitions for clients at law firm where I worked.
Just plain good book by NOLO to answer your many questions and explain the bankruptcy filing process. Click to Take a Look.
Or click on the image to take a look at the book.
Where to Obtain Bankruptcy Forms
Internet these days makes it very easy to find almost everything intangible and tangible that you need. To file bankruptcy you need to fill out and prepare bankruptcy petition, which consists of a several different forms.
Of course, you could go to US bankruptcy court system’s website and download forms from there. They are totally free.
But, there is a problem with this. The problem is that these forms are not self-filling – they are just plain blank forms for you to fill out. Hard to save, etc. They are more suitable for professional who knows what he or she is doing. You are likely to have harder time with official forms.
I recommend using forms offered by a number of reputable legal forms websites online. Often those forms are specially designed to help you fill them out. Some of them are even self-populating. They are prepared by lawyers and I highly recommend to purchase and use them. It will still be cheaper for you, and you will save time and nerves this way. By the way, right now these are not affiliate links – I get paid nothing for promoting these. below
US Legal Bankruptcy Forms
These are fillable self-populating forms to help you complete them
Helpful Videos and Tutorials for Bankruptcy Chapter 7 Preparation
Overview of the bankruptcy process
What you need to have ready to prepare bankruptcy petition
More detailed explanation of what you need to file for chapter 7 bankruptcy – based on personal experience of someone who filed it.
What to expect at creditors meeting
What to expect at creditors meeting – video by attorney, questions trustee will ask you
Confused? Would rather someone experienced prepare your chapter 7 bankruptcy petition for you to file?
I prepared a number of petitions for customers over the years while working at law firms.
Right now I can prepare your chapter 7 package for only $219.00 (30% off regular price). Temporarily not accepting urgent filings, sorry.
Contact me via skype: mak.feofanov