Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Forms

Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help give people a financial fresh start. Over a million people file for bankruptcy every year, and many of those bankruptcies are linked to factors outside their control. One of the more common types of consumer bankruptcies is the Chapter 7, or liquidation, bankruptcy. Individuals, couples, and some businesses must pass the “means test” to qualify.

The Chapter 7 bankruptcy form package is available as a single PDF file with multiple forms, including the Voluntary Petition, Summary of Schedules, Declaration Concerning Debtor's Schedules, and Statement of Financial Affairs. When you file your Voluntary Petition, you will also need to file certain other forms. The Statement of Social Security Numbers, Credit Matrix Instructions, and the CSD 1004 will need to be included.

Other supplemental Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms may also be necessary for some debtors. These will be included with Form B-1-Voluntary Petition but filed separately. They include the Request for Waiver of Diskette Requirement, Declaration and Signature of Non-Attorney Bankruptcy Petition Preparer, and others.

Download Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Form

If you do not have all the information necessary but you are ready to file, you have the option of filing what is called a "bare bones bankruptcy petition." This "bare bones" Chapter 7 bankruptcy form has the documents necessary for you to begin the bankruptcy process. You will then have 14 days to file the schedules, or your case will be dismissed.

Once you have filed your Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms, a court-appointed trustee will take control of your assets. Your non-exempt property will be liquidated. The money from the sale of your property will be used to pay expenses and then pay your creditors. Property that is exempt is considered rightfully yours after you've filed for bankruptcy and can include some of the equity in your home or tools of your trade.

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms halts further collection actions by your creditors by an injunction known as an "automatic stay." The automatic stay provides you with some relief from litigation, and helps you preserve some of your property and future income.

Download Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Form