Free Bankruptcy Forms
Use these free bankruptcy forms, schedules, and instructions to file for protection under the federal bankruptcy code, chapters 7, 11, 12 or 13.
Although the federal government recommends everyone consult a qualified attorney before filing bankruptcy, they have also made it possible for anyone to file their own bankruptcy as long as they meet the "means test calculations" and they fill out and file the required federal official bankruptcy forms. When filing bankruptcy chapters 7, 11, or 13, you must file at least these basic forms.
Should I consult a Bankruptcy Attorney?
The best question to ask before filing your own bankruptcy is, "Do I have property (or other high-value assets) that I don't want to lose due to a mistake?"
When high-dollar assets are involved, filing bankruptcy becomes a complex undertaking and if documents are not completed properly, or if further steps in the bankruptcy process are not taken on time, you can lose property or other important rights!
If you have property or high value assets, then I highly encourage you to take advantage of this FREE Legal Evaluation by a qualified bankruptcy attorney. The evaluation will help you determine if bankruptcy is your best option, or whether you should consider other options first.
File Your Own Bankruptcy Forms Download Instructions
Rather than download these bankruptcy forms individually, you can get the basic kit in one convenient package delivered to you through E-mail using this Free Request Form
Note 1: The kit includes the forms and instructions below plus and four specific documents to help you avoid these Top 10 Filing Mistakes. (See Kit Contents)
Basic Set of Forms
Many bankruptcy petitions require additional forms, schedules, and procedural forms. You can download them free from this site, or you can save a great deal of time and effort by getting them all (over 390) in one convienient Bankruptcy Package (Only $5.00).
B-1: Official Form 1, Voluntary Petition | Instructions
Exhibit "D" You must file this "Statement of Compliance with Credit Counseling" for all chapters of the bankruptcy code.
B6_Declaration_Debtors_Schedules
B6A Schedule A - Real Property
B6B Schedule B - Personal Property
B6C Schedule C - Property Claimed as Exempt
B6D Schedule D - Creditors Holding Secured Claims
B6E Schedule E - Creditors Holding Unsecured Priority Claims
B6F Schedule F - Creditors Holding Unsecured Nonpriority Claims
B6G Schedule G - Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases
B6I Schedule I - Current Income of Individual Debtor(s)
B6J Schedule J- Current Expenditures of Individual Debtor(s)
B-7: Statement of Financial Affairs | Instructions
B-8: Individual Debtor's Statement of Intention
File this form if you are are filing a chapter 7 liquidation case and you have one or more secured consumer debts (mortgage, vehicle payments, etc.)B23 Certification of Financial Management Instructional Course
Every debtor in a chapter 7, chapter 11 in which ยง 1141(d)(3) applies, or chapter 13 case must file this certification. If a joint petition is filed, each spouse must complete and file a separate certification.Filing Fees: Expect to pay the filing fees at the same time you file the initial bankruptcy petition (form B1). The current fees are:
Chapter 7: $299
Chapter 11: $1,039
Chapter 12: $239
Chapter 13: $274
Filing Fee Installment Payments: If you are unable to pay the full filing fee, use
B-3A: Application to Pay Filing Fee in InstallmentsWaiver of Chapter 7 Filing Fee: If you are unable to pay the filing fee, ask the court to waive it. B-3B: Application to Pay Filing Fee in Installments
Up Means Test Calculations
Use these forms to see if your income and current financial status satisfies the federal bankruptcy code's "means test". (It's best to download these forms to your computer before filling out) Forms Download Instructions
Chapter 7: Monthly Income and Means Test Calculation (B22A)
Chapter 11: Monthly Income and Means Test Calculation (B22B)
Chapter 13: Monthly Income and Means Test Calculation (B22C)
Up Mailing List of Creditors
Every bankruptcy court requires a Creditor Mailing Matrix (list for notifying creditors about your case.) This list must ust contain the names and addresses of creditors as well as specified entities, such as the district office of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The starter kit includes this in a Word format. If you need other district-specific forms, use this list of federal bankruptcy courts to find them.
Up Filing Your Own bankruptcy Petition
What follows are several tips to help you file your own bankruptcy case successfully.
Tip 1: Most state bankruptcy courts offer a free guide to help consumers who plan to file their own bankruptcy without an attorney.
Download State Guides HereTip 2: If filing chapter 13, be prepared to file a repayment plan. Since there is no nationally prescribed form, many state bankruptcy courts offer a locally-prescribed format.
Download State Plans HereImportant Note: Complex issues may arise in the crafting of a chapter 13 plan. If you're planning to file a chapter 13 case without a lawyer, we highly encourage you to discuss your plan with the standing chapter 13 trustee for the district in which you intend to file your case. Obtain the name, office address, and telephone number from the bankruptcy clerk's office.
Tip 3: Fill in ALL blank spaces and lines on each form! DO NOT leave any lines or boxes empty. Many forms instruct you to write "N/A" or "None" in response to questions that do not apply or that you have nothing to report. On forms that do not have specific instructions, use N/A, None, or cross out the entire line and place your initials over the line.
Tip 4: SIGN ALL DOCUMENTS! Many documents require signatures in more than one place. If filing a joint bankruptcy case, the spouse must also sign all required places as well.
Tip 5: A best practice is to use extra copies of the forms as worksheets.
Carefully read ALL instructions BEFORE beginning to fill out each bankruptcy form. Use extra copies of the forms as practice worksheets. Fill out one worksheet at a time. Review it for mistakes and missing information and then after making all corrections, transfer the information to a clean blank form. Set each completed form aside for signing and filing.
According to the federal bankruptcy code, individuals have the right to file a bankruptcy case without employing an attorney. However, before doing so, we highly encourage you to read your state's free guide (if available). In addition, there are plenty of "self-help" books on filing bankruptcy and other reference materials available in many libraries and bookstores.
Though many public libraries have reference sections containing copies of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rules, state laws, and additional books that help explain how to file bankruptcy, two excellent resources are the Federal Bankruptcy Website and U.S. Code Title 11 by Cornell University's Law School.
If you have property or high value assets, then I highly encourage you to take advantage of this FREE Legal Evaluation by a qualified bankruptcy attorney. The evaluation will help you determine if bankruptcy is your best option, or whether you should consider other options first.
