Completing the Bankruptcy Forms for a Chapter 13

When you begin filing your Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you will very likely encounter a lot of confusion. If you’re considering filing, preparation is key. Understanding the Chapter 13 filing process, the forms you will need, and the steps involved in entering your information into the forms will be extremely helpful.  Nonetheless, it is still advisable to file your bankruptcy with the help of an experienced Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer. With a strong understanding of the important steps and forms, you and your lawyer should be able to complete the process with as few bumps and obstacles as possible. In this article you will find an overview of several of the most important forms needed to file a Chapter 13, along with instructions on how to complete each of them.

What Forms Will I Need?

You will need official bankruptcy forms in order to properly file your Chapter 13 with the court. The following is a list of the forms you will need to complete to file your case:

• -Form 1, consisting of Voluntary Bankruptcy Petition
• -Form 3A, consisting of Filing Fee Structuring
• -Form 6, consisting of Schedules A through J,  Summary of Schedules A through J, and Declaration Concerning Debtors Schedules
• -Form 7, consisting of Statement of Financial Affairs
• -Form 21, consisting of Statement of SSN Disclosure
• -Form 22C, consisting of Statement of Current Monthly Income and Disposable Income
• -Form 201A, consisting of Notice to Individual Consumer Debtors
• -Chapter 13 Repayment Plan
• -Any local forms as required by law in your jurisdiction

Tips for Completing the Chapter 13 Forms

• -Get the official Chapter 13 forms. Using official Chapter 13 forms is crucial to properly filing your case. To access official forms, you can visit the United States Courts website, or ask at your attorney’s office or local courthouse.
• Be honest and thorough. Making sure that you put accurate information on your bankruptcy forms can have a very significant impact on your case. The bankruptcy court can dismiss your case if necessary information has been omitted or incorrectly represented. Furthermore, intentionally falsified information can be grounds for criminal prosecution.
• -Get help drafting your repayment plan. In a Chapter 13, the repayment plan is the most significant portion of the filing process. Unfortunately, there is no universal “form” for creating your repayment plan – but you can access guidelines and formats from your local court.  In most cases, a bankruptcy lawyer can provide you the best outcome when it comes to properly drafting a successful and agreeable repayment plan.

Getting Help with Filing Your Chapter 13

Filing a bankruptcy case can be confusing and overwhelming without professional help. If at all possible, contacting a bankruptcy lawyer to help you complete the necessary forms and file your case is a wise decision. With an experienced lawyer by your side, you can better ensure that your forms have been accurately completed and increase your chances of a smooth filing.