Download the FREE official bankruptcy forms, schedules and instructions here...
Filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy petition or chapter 13 bankruptcy petition requires specific official federal forms and schedules. In addition, some bankruptcy courts might require you to file one or two locally developed forms. Court-specific forms are usually available at the court house or they can be downloaded via the court's web site. Call the clerk of the court and ask of any additional forms are needed beyond the standard federal forms.
Note: Options for obtaining bankruptcy forms:
Option 1: Purchase from stationary stores for costs ranging from $14.95 to $29.95 (not all stores carry bankruptcy forms, so consider calling ahead)
Option 2: Download individual forms from the official government site: cost is free however, because the forms are listed in alphabetical/numerical order, it is difficult to figure out which forms you need.
Option 3: Download only the forms you need from this site (see below): cost is FREE!
Option 3: Utilize one of the 8 million web sites that sell the forms: cost ranges from $12.95 per individual form to $49.95 for complete package. Forms come in Word, Rich Text, and in PDF formats. WARNING! However, if you plan to file your personal bankruptcy on-line, then for security reasons, you should "flatten" the electronic file (i.e., make the field data indistinguishable from the rest of the text in the form). Do this by printing the form to PDF (can be done in Word) and file the resulting document.
Note: Don't be fooled by sites claiming you have to use state-specific forms. The federal bankruptcy code requires that all bankruptcy courts accept the official forms. Put another way, state courts can develop their own forms for convenience, but they cannot reject your petition because you failed to use their forms.
Option 4: Purchase a download package here that includes all Official Bankruptcy Forms for filing chapter 7 or 13 under the Bankruptcy Code plus all instructions and official notes. Locally developed court-specific forms are not included. If needed, locally developed forms are usually available at the courthouse or on the court's website. All forms are in PDF format and most forms can be filled in right on your computer screen. (Note: forms comply with 2005 Act and all revisions for December 2007 and January 2008.
See these additional resources elsewhere on this site:
- Bankruptcy Exemptions (see what you get to keep)
- List of Federal Bankruptcy Courts and their locations
Download Official Bankruptcy Forms With Instructions
See Download Instructions Below
Special Instructions
After downloading the forms to your computer, print two or three copies of each form. Download the instructions for each form as well and, using the first copy for practice, follow the instructions. After you've filled out a complete practice set of forms, transfer the information to fresh forms for filing with the court. Your goal is to file a petition that is clear and legible, has no mistakes and includes all the necessary forms.
Instructions for some of the forms are unavailable because they are under revision. The revised instructions will be posted as they become available.
To enhance usability, some of the forms can be filled in electronically. After completion, such "fillable forms" should be printed and filed by using the "print" button at the bottom of the form. If additional space is needed to complete a field in a fillable form, use a separate sheet of paper and include the case name, case number (if known), and a description or the number of the field being continued.
Warning for electronic filers: Certain versions of Adobe Acrobat and other PDF editing software allow the user to save a fillable form after data has been entered, and edit that information at a future date. If a form with saved data is filed electronically, (by someone with internet filing privileges in CM/ECF), the data can be easily extracted. To "flatten" the electronic file (i.e., to make the field data indistinguishable from the rest of the text in the form), "print" the form to PDF (using the print dialogue box), and file the resulting document.
FREE Bonus
Bankruptcy Basics is an information-packed pamphlet written in plain easy-to-understand language. With over 60 pages, it provides a wealth of information to debtors, creditors, court personnel, the media, and the general public on different aspects of the federal bankruptcy laws. Produced by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, it covers:
Introduction to Bankruptcy
The Discharge in Bankruptcy
Chapter 7. Liquidation Under the Bankruptcy Code
Chapter 13. Individual Debt Adjustment
Chapter 11. Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code
Chapter 12. Family Farmer Bankruptcy
Chapter 9. Municipality Bankruptcy
SIPA. Securities Investor Protection Act
Bankruptcy Terminology
To get your free copy of "Bankruptcy Basics" in PDF format, simply type in your email and then click the GO button.
* Email Required
Bankruptcy Forms Download Instructions
Your download time will vary depending on your connection speed. Here's a quick reference chart based on the largest form: Form B1 - Voluntary Bankruptcy Petition = 1.66mb):
Connection Speed |
Download Time |
Modem, 14.4 |
27 minutes |
Modem, 28.8 |
3 minutes |
Modem, 56k |
90 seconds |
DSL |
5 seconds |
Cable |
5 seconds |
Please be sure to follow these directions exactly for trouble free downloading and viewing of your form. If you are new to computers we suggest that you print these instructions to make the step by step process as easy as possible.
Also keep in mind that these procedures are very standard and common. If you have not yet learned to perform this function, this experience will come in handy time & time again and now is as good a time as any to acquire this simple & basic computer "downloading" skill.
Important: All forms have been scanned with up-to-the-minute virus definition files.
Up Step One:
Right-click on the desired form link to open a drop down box. In this example I've right-clicked on the first link "Form B1 - Voluntary Petition."
Next, Left-Click on "Save As" or "Save Target As", and a window similar to the one in step 2 below will appear on your screen.
Up Step Two:
After selecting Save As or "Save Target As" a screen similar to the screen shot below will pop up asking you to select a directory on your computer in which to download the file. It is a good idea to select the "Desktop" as the file is easily found.
Once you have selected a directory and taken note of the file name, click "Save" -- the download will automatically begin.
Up Step Three
Once the download is completed,
- "Minimize" your web browser and all other open programs until you see the desktop.
- There will now be an icon on your desktop that looks similar to this:
- To open and view the form either double click on it or open it using your Acrobat Reader. Get Acrobat Reader
Macintosh Instructions
Up Step One:
Click on the link labeled "Form B1 - Voluntary Petition." and hold the button down.
A menu will appear with a few different choices. Click on "Save As" or "Save Target As".
Up Step Two:
A "Save As..." screen will pop up asking you to select a folder on your computer in which to download the file. It is a good idea to select the "Desktop" as the file is easily found.
Once you have selected a directory and taken note of the file name, click "Save" -- the download will automatically begin.
Up Step Three:
Once the download is completed,
- "Minimize" your web browser and all other open programs until you see the desktop.
- There will now be an icon on your desktop that looks similar to this:
- To open and view the form either double click on it or open it using your Acrobat Reader. Get Acrobat Reader
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