Electronic Filing Through CM/ECF
Federal bankruptcy courts use the CM/ECF (Case Management / Electronic Case Files) system for electronic filing. Most courts require attorneys to file electronically. Pro se debtors may or may not be permitted to use CM/ECF -- it varies by district.
If you have an attorney, they handle all electronic filing. If you are filing pro se, check your local court's rules about whether you can use CM/ECF or must file on paper.
Online Preparation Tools
Several tools help you prepare bankruptcy forms online, even if the actual filing is done on paper or through an attorney:
- Upsolve -- Free online tool for Chapter 7 cases. Helps you complete all required forms. Available in many (but not all) states. Does not handle Chapter 13.
- Court forms -- All official bankruptcy forms are available free at uscourts.gov
- Bankruptcy petition preparers -- Under Section 110, non-attorney preparers can help you fill out forms (but cannot give legal advice). Must be disclosed to the court.
Pro Se Paper Filing
If your court does not allow pro se electronic filing, you will need to:
- Complete all forms (print or type them)
- Sign every required form
- Make copies (typically the original plus one copy for the trustee)
- Bring them to the bankruptcy court clerk's office
- Pay the filing fee (or file a fee waiver application)
Tip: Call your court clerk's office before going. They can tell you exactly how many copies to bring, whether they accept personal checks, and what their office hours are. Court clerks cannot give legal advice but they are very helpful with procedural questions.
Filing Resources
Related Resources
prosedebtors.org -- Pro se bankruptcy filing resources
Step-by-Step Guide -- Complete 10-step filing process
Find Your Court -- Locate your bankruptcy court