How to Get Bankruptcy Filing Forms

If you decide to file your own bankruptcy, you will be responsible for meeting deadlines and filing all necessary forms and schedules. Obtaining the necessary forms is not complicated if you're willing to spend the time educating yourself regarding bankruptcy law, terminology and proceedings.

Instructions

1. Decide which bankruptcy chapter you need to file. In Chapter 7, the trustee liquidates any assets and the proceeds go towards paying debtors. Chapter 11 generally covers partnerships or corporations. The
   debtor proposes a plan to repay the debtors and may continue in business under the oversight of the court. The proposal is subject to acceptance by the creditors and confirmation by the court. Chapter 12 is a reorganization proceeding for family farmers. Chapter 13 is for persons with regular income and unsecured debt less than $336,900 and secured debt of less than $1,010,650.

2. Download the forms you need from the uscourt.gov website.

3. Consider purchasing hard copies of the forms at any legal stationary, office supply or printing store. If you use an online software company's bankruptcy program, the forms are already embedded into the software.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using a lawyer. Among the things that can go wrong if you're filing pro se are missing deadlines, ignoring the right exemptions and omitting creditors and property from the schedules.

Resources

• To download forms.