Chapter 7 Individual Bankruptcy Case 

Petition Form 101

Local Rule #

Federal Rule #

Category: Open Voluntary BK Case

Open a BK Case

Upload a Creditor Matrix File

Judge/Trustee Assignment

File Additional Required Documents

IMPORTANT:  When filing a complete Bankruptcy case, there are documents required to be part of the petition and documents required to be filed separately.  See Quick Note to complete all case opening processes.

Below are screen instructions on how to open and attach the Petition (PDF file) when using Open Voluntary BK Case. Use the Petition as your guide to enter ECF data.  Check the hyperlinks for more helpful information.

1. Select Bankruptcy menu.
2. Select Open a BK Case.
3. Select the appropriate information for the following fields:  
   • Chapter - 7. 
   • Joint Petition - select yes if joint petition (joint debtor).
   • Deficiencies - select yes if missing schedules,statements, summary of schedules, statistical summary, certificate of credit counseling, etc.
4. Search for a Debtor Screen   
   Repeat this step to add joint petitioner, if applicable. 
   To copy Debtor's address to Joint Debtor, check box "Copy previous party's address."
   • Enter nine (9) digit social security number or nine (9) digit tax identification number, last name or business name to search for debtor name in the CM/ECF database. 
   • Party search results. Click on the hyperlink for data input. 
     • Debtor Name does not appear. Note: This screen allows multiple Social Security or Tax ID numbers to be entered for the debtor.

       Use the Add/Create New Party only when party is not on the Party Filer pick list. From the Select the Party screen: Click on Add/Create New Party hyperlink. The Search for Party screen appears. Enter social security number, tax identification number or last/business name (upper and lower case) to search for new party name in the ECF database. The Party Search Results appears. Party name appears: select name and verify party name information in pop-up window. Party information is correct, click Select name from list button. Party name appears but information is incorrect, click on Create New Party. The Party Information screen appears. Complete or update all appropriate fields for the party filer. Select appropriate Role for new party filer such as Creditor (cr:cr). Party name does not appear, click on Create New Party. The Party Information screen appears. Complete or update all appropriate fields for the party filer. Select appropriate Role for new party filer such as Creditor (cr:cr). Once this is complete you will return to the Select the Party screen, which will list the party filer name.

       Quick Note Making any changes in Add/Create New Party screen will only affect this case.  Remember to change the ROLE accordingly.

     • Debtor name appears
       • Select the name from the list 
       • Verify debtor information, mailing address, redacted social security number, etc.,  from the pop up window. Note: If debtor is "Barred from Filing" STOP opening the case.
       • Select the "Alias" button if debtor has alias(es).
       • • Complete all fields for alias(es)
         • Select the appropriate role for the alias (ie., aka, dba, fdba, fka)
         • Click "Add aliases" button
       • Select the "Review" button to ensure all aliases were added correctly
       • • If alias' information incorrect, uncheck alias, click "Return to Party screen" button, and re-enter information or add additional Aliases via the "Alias" button.
       • Review debtor's information once more and Submit

        

     • Debtor name appears but mailing address is incorrect.
       • Select the name from the list 
       • If debtor is "Barred from Filing" STOP opening the case.
       • Enter correct mailing address.
       • Verify debtor information, mailing address, redacted social security number, etc.,  from the pop up window.
       • Select the "Alias" button if debtor has alias(es).
       • • Complete all fields for alias(es)
         • Select the appropriate role for the alias (ie., aka, dba, fdba, fka)
         • Click "Add aliases" button
       • Select the "Review" button to ensure all aliases were added correctly
       • • If alias' information incorrect, uncheck alias, click "Return to Party screen" button, and re-enter information or add additional Aliases via the "Alias" button.
       • Review debtor's information once more and Submit.

        

5. Select the appropriate Statistical Information:
   • Prior filing within last 8 years - yes or no
   • Fee Status: Paid or Installment or IFP Filing Fee Waived
   • Nature of debt -  consumer or business
   • Asset notice - no.
   • Estimated number of creditors, assets and debts - select the number listed on the petition.
   • Type of Debtor - Individual
   • Nature of business - select type.
6. Submit
7. Summary of Assets and Liabilities and Certain Statistical Information Screen:
   • Note: This screen will not appear for cases with Business selected for Nature of Debt and with Corporation, Partnership or Other selected for Type of Debtor.
   • Note: This screen will appear for cases with Consumer or Business selected for Nature of Debt and with Individual selected for Type of Debtor.
     • Fill in all appropriate fields according to the Summary of Schedules and/or Statistical Summary, if applicable.
8. Schedules/Forms 122A-1, 122A-1Supp, 122A-2  Note: This screen will not appear for Business cases.
   • Note: This screen will not appear for cases with Business selected for Nature of Debt and with Corporation, Partnership or Other selected for Type of Debtor.
   • Note: This screen will appear for cases with Consumer or Business selected for Nature of Debt and with Individual selected for Type of Debtor.
   • • Fill in the appropriate fields according to Schedules C, I, J and Forms 122A-1, 122A-1Supp, 122A-2, if applicable.
9. Deficiency List Screen
   This screen only appears if you selected "yes" in the Deficiency field in the Case Number Screen.
   • Check items not included in the petition, such as an individual schedule or select "Schedules A/B-J if missing all schedules.
10. Browse, verify and attach the document (PDF file).  

    Locate the document (PDF or TXT). Right-mouse click on the correct filename. Select Open from the drop down menu. This will launch the PDF or TXT file's application. Verify the document. Close the document by clicking on the X in the upper-right hand corner of the Adobe or NotePad application. Click on the Open button in ECF to attach the document in the Browse field.

    Quick Note The court quality assures all incoming files and verifies for /s/signatures, missing pages, correct document to selected event, case number, readable file, etc.

    • Attach supportive documents, such as Disclosure of Compensation of Attorney for Debtor (CSD 1009), if applicable.

      From the first Browser screen: Click on the Yes button at Attachments to Documents. Click the "Next" button. In the second Browser screen: Browse, verify and attach supportive document (PDF file). Select Category of document such as Declaration, Exhibit, etc. or type description of document. Click on Add to List. Repeat steps 1 - 3 until all supportive documents are attached. When done, click on Next to continue procedure.

      Quick Note NEVER attach a document that can be filed under Notices & Hearing.

11. Verify deadlines, if applicable. 
12. Select the appropriate Presumption of Abuse for:
    Note: This screen will not appear for cases with Business selected for Nature of Debt and with Corporation, Partnership or Other selected for Type of Debtor  nor if  Stmt Income Ch7 is selected on the Deficiency List. 
    • Debtor type: Individual and Nature of Debt: consumer

      • Presumption of abuse does not arise

      • Presumption of abuse arises

      • Presumption of abuse unknown

       

    • Debtor type: Individual and Nature of Debt: business

      • Presumption of abuse does not arise

      • Presumption of abuse unknown

       

13. Verify filing fee, and due date deadlines.
14. Verify due date deadlines.
15. Modify text to add pertinent information, if applicable.
16. Verify final docket text before submitting onto case docket.
17. Print the Notice of Electronic Filing. It's your receipt.

    Print to PDF Click on File on the application's menu bar. Click on Print from the drop down menu. The Print Dialog Box appears. Select Acrobat PDF Writer as your current printer selection and press Print. The Save PDF File As screen appears. Name your PDF file. Click in the Save in: Window to choose the directory to save your PDF file. Click on the Save button to print to PDF. Print a paper copy Click on File on the application's menu bar. Click on Print from the drop down menu. The Print Dialog Box appears. Select your current printer and press the Print button.

    Quick Note Keep original signed document along with the Notice of Electronic Filing at your office.

18. Make note of the assigned case number. 
19. Continue procedure with Upload a Creditor Matrix File to the bankruptcy case.
20. Continue to file the Application to Pay Filing Fees in Installments (CSD 1006), after the Judge and Trustee have been assigned, or Application for Waiver of the Chapter 7 Filing Fee (CSD 1020), if applicable.

Back to Top

Previous Page

Home