How to File Bankruptcy Online for Free
Anyone who is unable to pay off his or her debts can file for bankruptcy under Chapters 7 or 13 of the federal bankruptcy code. If you are on the brink of bankruptcy, you may not have the money pay an attorney to file a petition, so filing online at no cost could be your best recourse.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer with Internet access
- Your Social Security number
- Copies of recent credit card statements
- Copies of any collection notices
- Copies of outstanding medical bills
- Copies and records of all outstanding debt
- A budgeted list of your monthly living expenses
- Copies of your income tax returns (federal and state) for previous three years
Instructions
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Instructions
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Be sure to have copies of your federal tax returns for the past three years. Log onto an online free-bankruptcy site such as Filing Bankruptcy Form.com (http://www.filing-bankruptcy-form.com/index.html). If a free legal evaluation test is available, take it to see which type of bankruptcy you would qualify for.
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Download forms that apply to your filing status. Print out two or three copies of each so that you can use one of them to record your information in a rough draft.
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The required forms can be filled out electronically. Fill out a set of practice forms. Once fully completed, transfer all of the information clearly onto a new set of forms. Most forms can be filled out electronically by typing them; if you prefer to write the data by hand, be sure it is legible for fax or scan.
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Once you have filled out the forms, e-mail or fax them to the processor assigned to you.
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Follow up with an e-mail request for copies of all paperwork that has been filed on your behalf and ask for a electronic copy of the petition. The online company will do the actual filing of the petition with the bankruptcy court.
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Tips & Warnings
If you choose to seek legal representation, you might be able to find a bankruptcy lawyer who will work pro bono. Ask your local bar association for help finding one.
Do not use your credit card after you have filed for bankruptcy. This will count against you in the eventual court hearing for your case.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit gavel image by Cora Reed from Fotolia.com tax forms image by Chad McDermott from Fotolia.com computer image by blaine stiger from Fotolia.com
