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File a Chapter 13

Updated 8/15/2022

Overview

  • Review Ch 13 Filing Requirements
  • Fee: $313.00 - Debtors who are individuals may request that the fee be paid in installments (Official Form 103A) by filing the appropriate signed application. Payment is due in full 14 days after the case is filed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Case Opening Screen

  • Select Bankruptcy.
  • Select Open Voluntary BK Case.
  • Chapter - Select 13.
  • Joint Petition - Defaults to n.  Change to y if this is a joint filing.
  • Deficiencies - Defaults to n.  Change to y if missing schedules, statements or other required documents, including credit counseling certificate and chapter 13 plan.
  • When done, click Next to continue.

Search for a Debtor Screen

  • Search for an existing debtor record by entering debtor's SSN.  Click Search.
  • If no match is found, No person found displays.  Click Create new party.
  • If a possible match is found, parties with the same SSN display. 
  • Click a name and the debtor's information displays in a pop up window.
  • If the displayed information is an exact match, click Select name from list.
  • If not an exact match, click Create new party.

Debtor Information Screen

Enter all debtor information exactly as it appears on the petition.

  • Last name, First name, Middle name - Enter exactly as they appear on the petition. Do not use all caps.
  • Generation (Jr., III, etc.) - Enter, if any.
  • SSN / ITIN - If individual, enter SSN or ITIN. 
  • Address 1, Address 2, Address 3 - Enter debtor's mailing address.
  • City, State, Zip - Enter debtor's mailing city, state and zip.
  • County - Select current county of residence. Be sure to select the correct county as this determines the location of the Section 341 meeting of creditors.
  • Country - Leave blank, unless outside of U.S.A.
  • Phone, Fax and E-mail - Leave blank.
  • Party Text - Leave blank.
  • Alias - Add, if any. 
  • Corporate parent/affiliate - Add, if any.
  • Click Review… and verify entered information is correct.  Click Return to Party Screen.
  • When done, click Submit to continue.
  • If a joint filing, the Search for a joint debtor screen displays.
    • Repeat to add joint debtor. 
    • Copy previous party's address is checked by default.  Uncheck if address differs and add joint debtor's address.
    • Click Submit to continue.

Divisional Office Screen

  • Click Next to continue.

Statistical Data Screen

  • Prior filing within last 8 years – Select no or yes.
  • Fee status -  Select one of the following:
    • Installment when filing an Application for Individuals to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments.
    • Paid when paying the fee in full.
    • fee not paid is reserved for court use only.
  • Nature of debt - Select business, consumer or other.
  • Asset notice - Select No (Chapter 7 cases are always opened as no asset).
  • Estimated number of creditors - Select appropriate option.
  • Estimated assets - Select appropriate option.
  • Estimated liabilities - Select appropriate option.
  • Type of debtor - Select Individual.
  • When done, click Next to continue.

Summary of Assets and Liabilities Screen

  • This screen displays for individual debtors with consumer debts.
  • Enter values from corresponding schedules and statement.
  • When done, click Next to continue.
  • If data is not available, click Next to bypass this screen.

Data Collection Screen

  • This screen displays for individual debtors with consumer debts.
  • Enter values from corresponding schedules.
  • When done, click Next to continue.
  • If data is not available, click Next to bypass this screen.

Deficiencies Screen

  • This screen displays if deficiencies were noted on the first screen.
  • Check the items NOT included in this filing.
  • Click Next to continue.

PDF Upload Screen

  • Click Browse/Choose File and upload PDF of petition, schedules and statements.  Do NOT include the chapter 13 plan and credit counseling certificate(s). File them separately.  
  • Click Next to continue.

Incomplete Filings and Claims Deadline Screen

  • If deficiencies were noted on the first screen, the due date displays.
  • Government proofs of claim due date displays.
  • Click Next to continue.

Filing Fee Screen

  • If paying in full, leave the default amount of $313.
  • If paying in installments, do NOT make a payment now.  Change the amount to $0.0. 
  • Click Next.  

Final Docket Entry Screen

  • Carefully review the final docket entry.
  • If incorrect, use your browser back button to the applicable screen to make corrections.
  • If correct, click Next to file your case.

Summary of Current Charges

  • If fees are due, a Summary of current charges displays in a separate window.  Click Pay Now or Continue Filing.

Notice of Bankruptcy Case Filing

Next Steps