Step-By-Step CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY GUIDE
2009
Table of Contents
Introduction-How to use this guide................................................................................................. 5 What is a chapter 7 bankruptcy? ..................................................................................................... 6 Do I need a lawyer to file bankruptcy? ........................................................................................... 6 How do I find a reputable law firm? ............................................................................................... 6 General FAQ ................................................................................................................................... 7 Timeline for filing Chapter 7 ........................................................................................................ 15 What are the Fees to File Bankruptcy? ......................................................................................... 19 Pertinent Rules and Regulations Regarding Bankruptcy .............................................................. 20 FORM 1 – VOLUNTARY PETITION ........................................................................................ 21 INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 21 FORM 1 – VOLUNTARY PETITION ........................................................................................ 28 EXHIBIT C TO VOLUNTARY PETITION ................................................................................ 32 INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 32 EXHIBIT C TO VOLUNTARY PETITION ................................................................................ 34 SCHEDULE A –REAL PROPERTY ........................................................................................... 36 INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 36 SCHEDULE A –REAL PROPERTY ........................................................................................... 38 SCHEDULE B – PERSONAL PROPERTY ................................................................................ 40 INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 40 SCHEDULE B – PERSONAL PROPERTY ................................................................................ 43 SCHEDULE C – PROPERTY CLAIMED AS EXEMPT ........................................................... 47 INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 47 SCHEDULE C – PROPERTY CLAIMED AS EXEMPT ........................................................... 50 SCHEDULE D – CREDITORS HOLDING SECURED CLAIMES .......................................... 52 INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 52 SCHEDULE D – CREDITORS HOLDING SECURED CLAIMES .......................................... 55 SCHEDULE E – CREDITORS HOLDING UNSECURED PRIORITY CLAIMS .................... 58 INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 58 SCHEDULE E – CREDITORS HOLDING UNSECURED PRIORITY CLAIMS .................... 61 SCHEDULE F – CREDITORS HOLDINGS UNSECURED NON-PRIORITY CLAIMS ........ 65 INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 65 SCHEDULE F – CREDITORS HOLDINGS UNSECURED NON-PRIORITY CLAIMS ........ 68 SCHEDULE G – EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES ........................ 71 INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 71 SCHEDULE G – EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES ........................ 73 SCHEDULE H – CO DEBTORS ................................................................................................. 75 INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 75 SCHEDULE H – CO DEBTORS ................................................................................................. 77 SCHEDULE I – CURRENT INCOME OF INDIVIDUAL DEBTOR(S) ................................... 79 INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 79 SCHEDULE I – CURRENT INCOME OF INDIVIDUAL DEBTOR(S) ................................... 81 SCHEDULE J – CURRENT EXPENDITURES OF INDIVIDUAL DEBTOR(S) ..................... 83 INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 83
SCHEDULE J – CURRENT EXPENDITURES OF INDIVIDUAL DEBTOR(S) ..................... 85 DECLARATION CONVENING DEBTOR‘S SCHEDULE ....................................................... 87 INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 87 DECLARATION CONVENING DEBTOR‘S SCHEDULE ....................................................... 89 SUMMARY OF SCHEDULE AND STATISTICAL SUMMARY OF CERTAIN LIABILITIES ....................................................................................................................................................... 91 INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 91 SUMMARY OF SCHEDULE AND STATISTICAL SUMMARY OF CERTAIN LIABILITIES ....................................................................................................................................................... 94 FORM 3A – APPLICATION TO PAY FILING FEE IN INSTALLMENTS ............................. 97 INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 97 FORM 3A – APPLICATION TO PAY FILING FEE IN INSTALLMENTS ............................. 99 FORM 3B – APPLICATION FOR WAVIER OF THE CHAPTER 7 FILING FEE ................ 102 INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 102 FORM 3B – APPLICATION FOR WAVIER OF THE CHAPTER 7 FILING FEE ................ 105 FORM 7 – STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS ............................................................ 111 INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 111 FORM 7 – STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS ............................................................ 113 FORM 8 – CHAPTER 7 INDIVIDUAL DEBTO‘S STATEMENT OF INTENTION ............. 125 INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 125 FORM 8 – CHAPTER 7 INDIVIDUAL DEBTO‘S STATEMENT OF INTENTION ............. 128 FORM 16A – CAPTION ............................................................................................................ 132 INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 132 FORM 16A – CAPTION ............................................................................................................ 134 FORM B20A – NOTICE OF MOTION OF OBJECTION ........................................................ 136 INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 136 FORM B20A – NOTICE OF MOTION OF OBJECTION ........................................................ 139 FORM B21 – STATEMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.......................................... 141 INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 141 FORM B21 – STATEMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.......................................... 143 FORM B22A – STATEMENT OF CURRENT MONTHLY INCOME AND MEANS TEST CALCULATION ........................................................................................................................ 145 INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 145 FORM B22A – STATEMENT OF CURRENT MONTHLY INCOME AND MEANS TEST CALCULATION ........................................................................................................................ 148 FORM B23 – DEBTOR‘S CERTIFICATION OF COMPLETION OF INSTRUCTIONAL COURSE CONCERNING PERSONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ............................... 157 INSTRUCTIONS ..............................................................................................