Basic Chapter 13 Filing Procedures

When you are filing your paperwork to the Federal bankruptcy court, you will need to follow the same procedures. Each district may want different forms, and in different orders, so you will want to ask your bankruptcy attorney or contact your local district to get the most up to date information. You can find the district you should be filing at the U.S. Courts website.

• Step 1. Make sure you have signed and dated all of the forms. If you are filing with a spouse, make sure they have signed all the copies as well.
• Step 2. Make sure all of your forms are in the correct order. You can find this information at your district court, website.www.uscourts.gov.
• Step 3. Do not staple your forms together. Some courts require you to punch the top of the forms with a two-hole punch (you can find these at most copy centers).
• Step 4. Give the court the required number of copies. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself for your records and if your paperwork gets lost in the mail.
• Step 5. If you can, take your paperwork directly to the court so you can make any immediate changes. Otherwise, mail your documents in a 9″ x 12″ envelope with your return address clearly listed and the proper amount of postage.
• Step 6. Pay the filing fee. If you file your papers in person, you can pay by money order payable to “U.S. Bankruptcy Court” or cash (they will not accept your check). If you are mailing your forms, you can clip the money order to the first page. If you are using a lawyer, they can pay the filing fee using a money order, cash, check, or credit card.

If you would like more information on how to file bankruptcy, contact a Hidalgo County bankruptcy lawyer.