Bankruptcy Forms

Your package includes all forms needed for filing Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy, information and important resources. Bankruptcy is complex and with the new laws that went into effect more difficult to handle without an attorney.


How to File for Bankruptcy and Save Your Assets

Filing for bankruptcy can be accomplished without a lawyer and paying expensive legal fees. A voluntary petition for bankruptcy, if granted and the debt discharged, allows the debtor to get a fresh start and clear the slate with creditors. In some cases, a reorganization and payment plan is agreed on. However, in a no-asset case, filing bankruptcy can often get the debt discharged.

The bankruptcy automatic stay is imposed upon your creditors when you file for bankruptcy. Creditors can't contact you for repayment of the debt once you file for bankruptcy and up until the debt is discharged.

Bankruptcy Codes and Bankruptcy Laws

According to US bankruptcy rules and laws, a person or business representative can file bankruptcy under Chapters 5, 7, 11, 9, and 13 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The automatic stay applies in all cases once the bankruptcy voluntary petition is filed. The most commonly used chapter filings are related with the types of bankruptcy.

  • What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy? For now, it’s the most popular avenue for filing a personal bankruptcy or no asset case bankruptcy. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the debtor lacks the income or assets to repay creditors. It aims at having debts discharged, so a repayment plan or reorganization plan isn't required. Because consumer debt is often involved, the automatic stay imposed when the bankruptcy petition is filed relieves debtors from harassment by creditors. To file it, use Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms
  • What is Chapter 11 bankruptcy? It’s designed to prevent insolvency by allowing the debtor to reorganize and refinance. It may be used for personal bankruptcy, but is more commonly used by a bankrupt business. The cost and complexity of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy makes it unattractive for filing bankruptcy as an individual. A reorganization plan must be confirmed by the respective trustee and court.
  • What is Chapter 13 bankruptcy?It’s used to file personal bankruptcy by a debtor who can repay creditors. A repayment plan is filed in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, allowing creditors to receive partial payments according to the payment schedule in the plan approved by the respective trustee and court. A Chapter 13 plan is sometimes referred to as a “wage earner plan.” After confirmation of the plan by the trustee and court, the debtor makes installment payments to creditors.

How to File Bankruptcy

If you're asking yourself "how can I file for bankruptcy", US Legal Forms offers voluntary bankruptcy form packages for each state, authored and grouped by our state-certified lawyers. There are simple step-by-step instructions, a how-to guide, and all the forms and templates you need in our official bankruptcy forms packages. How to file for bankruptcy will depend on your case’s facts, such as whether you’re seeking a personal bankruptcy or a Chapter 11, 13, or 7 petition.

Our packages contain all the bankruptcy documents you need to file for a bankruptcy petition, from the cover sheet to all of the relevant schedules, bankruptcy discharge papers, and US bankruptcy court forms you need to complete the process. A debtor must complete all court forms, starting with the cover sheet. A debtor must list assets and income and fill out a list of creditors matrix. A Credit Counseling Briefing and the Debtor Education Course are required for everyone filing a personal bankruptcy.

In the bankruptcy package offered by US Legal Forms, the bankruptcy forms include the required documents in both DOCX and PDF format needed to take the Means Test. The Means Test is required to prove income and asset eligibility for filing a personal bankruptcy. A certificate of non-attorney preparation must be submitted when you have someone other than a bankruptcy lawyer prepare the forms. The non-attorney preparer must also sign a statement and disclosure certificate. If you’re unsure which bankruptcy paperwork you need for filing bankruptcy, a bankruptcy forms package contains all the bankruptcy court forms you need at a significant savings over the purchase of individual bankruptcy forms.

Who Can File Bankruptcy

An individual, a partnership, or a corporation can file for voluntary bankruptcy. However, a bankruptcy can not have been filed in the previous seven years; a non-attorney bankruptcy preparer can be used. It’s not necessary to use a bankruptcy lawyer. Individuals seeking a discharge of debts via bankruptcy must pass the Means Test and complete a debtor education and credit counseling course. The Means Test is used to prove to the bankruptcy court that the debtor has insufficient assets and income to repay creditors.

If filing Chapters 11 or 13 bankruptcy, a Chapter 13 plan of repayment or a Chapter 11 reorganization plan must be prepared. According to the bankruptcy code and rules, the repayment or reorganization plan must be approved by the bankruptcy court.

Why Bankruptcy May be Denied

If you're wondering about bankruptcy and how to file for it, you should consider the chances your voluntary petition for discharge in bankruptcy will be denied. If you're filing a voluntary petition for personal bankruptcy, your petition for discharge under Chapter 7 may be denied if you fail to pass the Means Test. Under the bankruptcy code and rules, an individual filing a voluntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy must pass the Means Test to prove inability to repay creditors. Failing to complete the debtor education and creditor counseling courses may also cause a voluntary petition to be denied. Also, failure to complete the court forms accurately and honestly can cause your bankruptcy petition to be denied by the bankruptcy court. For example, leaving a creditor off of the creditors matrix can cause your bankruptcy petition for discharge to be denied. All court forms, even the cover sheet, must be completed and conform to the bankruptcy rules. If you're filing a Chapter 11 or 13 plan, the trustee and bankruptcy court must find that it’s in the creditors' best interests in order to approve your petition.

Conclusion

The US Bankruptcy Code allows individuals and businesses to file a voluntary petition and seek a fresh start. US Legal Forms offers professionally prepared bankruptcy form packages that have all the US bankruptcy court forms you need to file a voluntary petition for bankruptcy in your state, as well as all the needed bankruptcy discharge papers.


Bankruptcy FAQs

How do I file bankruptcy?

There’s no need to hire an expensive bankruptcy lawyer in order to file for bankruptcy. US Legal Forms offers voluntary bankruptcy form packages for each state, authored and grouped by our state-certified lawyers. Inside you’ll find answers to the question “What is bankruptcy?” and the forms you need in each particular case with the respective papers. Our bankruptcy form packages include all the related court forms and templates you need for filing bankruptcy, along with step-by-step instructions and a helpful how-to guide.

What is the difference between Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

For an individual filing a voluntary petition for personal bankruptcy, the difference is the ability to repay creditors. In a Chapter 7 no asset case, if the debtor passes the Means Test, the debts may be discharged and the creditors barred from further seeking collection. If the debtor is unable to pass the Means Test and can repay creditors, a Chapter 13 plan, also called a “wage earner plan”, will be formulated in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy to repay creditors. Therefore a Chapter 7 bankruptcy form differs from a Chapter 13 form.

What are some of the changes made to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in 2005?

Under the 2005 changes made to the Bankruptcy Code and rules, individuals filing a voluntary petition for bankruptcy and seeking a discharge under Chapter 7 must pass the Means Test. The Means Test is designed to prove the debtor has a no asset case and is unable to repay creditors. Other significant changes included the requirement to complete a debtor education and credit counseling course. The new bankruptcy rules apply to non-attorney preparers regarding disclosures to clients and completion of a certificate of non-attorney preparer.

What is the creditors matrix?

When filing for bankruptcy, you should provide a creditors matrix. A creditors matrix is a listing of creditors and debts which is used to compare debts to income and assets in order to determine ability to repay debts. A failure to list all creditors on the creditors matrix can cause the court to deny your bankruptcy petition.

How does the automatic stay protect debtors?

When a bankruptcy petition is filed, automatic stay under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code prevents debtors from further collection efforts. The automatic stay protects the debtor from creditor lawsuits, repossession, foreclosure, or other collection activity. Automatic stay under bankruptcy law protect debtors until the bankruptcy court lifts the stay, grants a discharge, or the property is no longer in possession.

Do I need a bankruptcy lawyer?

A bankruptcy lawyer isn't necessary to file a voluntary petition for bankruptcy. If you're wondering about bankruptcy and how to file for bankruptcy, the bankruptcy forms package offered by US Legal Forms not only contains all the bankruptcy court fillable forms and papers you need, but also includes easy to follow instructions and a helpful guide on filing for bankruptcy. It's not necessary to know everything a bankruptcy lawyer knows in order to file a voluntary petition for personal bankruptcy. Therefore, you can file for it without needing a bankruptcy lawyer.

What is Chapter 11 bankruptcy?

Among multiple types of bankruptcy a Chapter 11 is typically filed by a business debtor. The cost and complexity of Chapter 11 bankruptcy law makes it undesirable for most individual debtors. Under Chapter 11, a plan of reorganization is prepared and the trustee and bankruptcy court must approve the plan as being in the best interest of creditors.

What is a Chapter 13 plan?

A Chapter 13 plan is also referred to as a wage earner's plan. It’s for individuals who have regular income and can repay their debts. Therefore, these debtors are unable to pass the Means Test and qualify for a discharge under Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing. Under a Chapter 13 plan, the debtor filing for personal bankruptcy agrees to pay all or part of the debts owed to creditors. According to bankruptcy law, the Chapter 13 plan must be filed with the bankruptcy petition or no later than 14 days after filing the petition. The bankruptcy court must approve the plan. The debtor will make plan payments to the trustee, and it's the trustee who handles making payments to creditors. The debtor must begin to make Chapter 13 plan payments no later than 30 days after filing the bankruptcy petition, even if the court hasn't approved the Chapter 13 plan yet.

What is the advantage of filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition?

One of the main advantages of filing a petition for Chapter 13 bankruptcy is that it allows the debtor to keep property that’s collateral for secured debt. For example, it can help a debtor save a home from foreclosure. When the bankruptcy petition is filed, foreclosure proceedings are stopped. The debtor can save the property as long as the debtor cures delinquent payments and makes mortgage payments that come due while the bankruptcy case is pending.

What is debtor education?

Under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, there’s a requirement under bankruptcy law that debtors filing a voluntary petition for personal bankruptcy complete a debtor education course within 180 days of filing a petition. The debtor education course was a new requirement for how to file bankruptcy that was added to the bankruptcy law in the 2005 reforms of the Bankruptcy Code.

Can bankruptcy prevent foreclosure?

Yes, if you have regular income, it's possible to file a voluntary petition for personal bankruptcy under Chapter 13 along with a plan of repayment. When the bankruptcy petition is filed, automatic stay takes effect under bankruptcy law and the creditors must stop foreclosure action. If the debtor can pay the delinquent payments and continue making the mortgage payments as they come due, the property can be saved from foreclosure.


Top Questions about Bankruptcy Forms

  • Where can I find bankruptcy forms?

    You can find bankruptcy forms at various sources, but using a reliable platform like US Legal Forms is recommended. This site offers an extensive library of specific and up-to-date Bankruptcy Forms tailored to your needs. By using US Legal Forms, you can ensure that your documents meet all legal requirements and are filled out correctly. This can save you time and stress, allowing you to focus on your financial recovery.

  • What are the 4 steps of bankruptcy?

    Navigating bankruptcy involves four main steps that can guide you through the process. First, you must gather your financial documents, which will help you complete the necessary Bankruptcy Forms. Next, you will need to file your petition in court, followed by attending a meeting of creditors. Finally, you can work towards completing your repayment plan or obtaining debt discharge, which will lead to a fresh start.

  • What is the 2 year rule for bankruptcy?

    The 2 year rule for bankruptcy refers to a specific guideline set forth by federal bankruptcy laws. It states that if you filed for bankruptcy in the past, you may face restrictions when filing again within two years. Essentially, this means that creditors can look back at your previous filing to determine your financial behavior. To avoid complications, it's essential to review your situation and consider using reliable Bankruptcy Forms to ensure a smooth process.

  • Why are bankruptcies denied?

    Bankruptcies can be denied for various reasons. Common issues include failure to provide complete financial information or missing important deadlines. Additionally, if a debtor does not meet the income requirements set by the bankruptcy code, the court may dismiss the case. Utilizing accurate Bankruptcy Forms can significantly improve your chances of a successful filing.

  • What disqualifies you from filing bankruptcies?

    Several factors can disqualify you from filing for bankruptcy, such as not completing the credit counseling requirement or having filed for bankruptcy in the previous eight years. Additionally, fraudulent activities can lead to disqualification. Using our knowledgeable resources and Bankruptcy Forms helps you navigate these requirements effectively.

  • Should I file bankruptcy for $10,000 in debt?

    Filing for bankruptcy with $10,000 in debt depends on your financial circumstances. If your debt becomes unmanageable, it might be a viable solution. By using our comprehensive Bankruptcy Forms, you can evaluate your options and find a path forward.

  • How much do I need to owe to file bankruptcy?

    There's no specific minimum debt amount required to file for bankruptcy. You can file regardless of the amount you owe if it impacts your financial stability. Utilizing our Bankruptcy Forms can guide you through the documentation process, regardless of your debt level.

  • Can I file bankruptcy with $5000 debt?

    Yes, you can file for bankruptcy with $5,000 in debt. However, it's essential to consider whether bankruptcy is the right solution for your financial situation. Using the right Bankruptcy Forms can help streamline the process and ensure you meet all necessary requirements.

  • How much debt should you have to file Chapter 7?

    There is no specific amount of debt required to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy; however, individuals often seek this option when their debts become unmanageable. The means test assesses your income level and expenses to determine eligibility. It's wise to evaluate your financial situation thoroughly before deciding. US Legal Forms can help you navigate this assessment with tailored Bankruptcy Forms.

  • Which bankruptcy clears all debt?

    Chapter 7 bankruptcy is known for clearing many types of unsecured debts, effectively eliminating your financial burden. This option is often chosen by individuals who qualify and want a quick resolution to their debt issues. Be mindful that certain debts, like alimony and child support, cannot be discharged. Using our Bankruptcy Forms simplifies the process and ensures you meet all requirements.