As an individual preparing to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, what is the required initial step before filing, what are the absolute minimum documents I need to submit to begin my case, and where can I find the specific local bankruptcy forms for this court?
Navigate to dcb.uscourts.gov. Go to the 'Understanding Bankruptcy' section. From 'Understanding Bankruptcy', navigate to the 'What Do I Need to File?' page. Click on the 'GENERAL FILING REQUIREMENTS FOR DEBTORS' link. Identify the mandatory pre-filing credit counseling requirement. Identify the list of essential documents needed to commence an individual Chapter 7 bankruptcy case. Return to the 'What Do I Need to File?' page. Locate the 'Court's Local Forms' link.
State that pre-petition credit counseling is a mandatory requirement for individual debtors, with a warning that failure to obtain it will lead to case dismissal unless statutory exceptions apply. List the essential documents needed to start an individual bankruptcy case as: a completed petition, a mailing matrix and list of creditors, a Statement of Your Social Security Numbers, and the filing fee (or a properly executed application for installment payments or waiver). Identify the location for local bankruptcy forms as the 'Court's Local Forms' link found on the 'What Do I Need to File?' page.