Filing for bankruptcy is a legal process. As such, it requires you to provide various documents and information to prove that you have the legal means to request the court free you from your debts.
Bankruptcy is a federal statute, which means the laws for filing are the same in every state. However, you will file at a bankruptcy court within your state using the bankruptcy petition and providing the important documentation and information requested.
Provide details about yourself
You will have to give the court information about yourself. This includes identifying details. You must fill out the petition completely as leaving out any information could lead to the court throwing it out.
Give full financial disclosure
Since bankruptcy is a financial issue, the court will require you to provide complete information about your finances. You must give details about all income sources and all debts you owe. This is especially important because if you do not include a debt in the petition, you cannot seek bankruptcy protection for that debt. Financial information also includes providing bank statements, earnings records and tax forms.
Show proof of completed courses
The law requires the completion of credit counseling courses, and you must provide your certificates to show you took those classes.
If you fail to provide all the information the court needs to handle your case, the judge could dismiss it. Dismissal means you no longer can seek bankruptcy protection, and you may be unable to file again until the waiting period is over, so it is essential to ensure you include all the required items with your petition.
