Bankruptcy Court Pro Se Resources
Court self-help desks, required forms, guides, and procedural aids for unrepresented filers
If you are filing bankruptcy without a lawyer, the bankruptcy court itself offers resources that can help. Most federal bankruptcy courts provide some level of assistance to pro se filers -- though the scope varies significantly by district. This page covers what is typically available and how to find it.
Court Self-Help Desks
What They Offer
Many bankruptcy courts operate a self-help desk, pro se clinic, or intake assistance program. These are typically staffed by court employees or volunteer attorneys and can help with:
- Understanding which forms you need to file
- Explaining court procedures, deadlines, and local rules
- Reviewing your forms for completeness (not legal sufficiency)
- Explaining how to use the court's electronic filing system
- Directing you to legal aid or other free resources
What they cannot do: Court staff cannot give legal advice, tell you which chapter to file, help you decide which exemptions to claim, or represent you in any proceeding.
Required Forms
All official bankruptcy forms are available free from the United States Courts website. Here are the core forms for a consumer filing:
Chapter 7 Forms Packet
- Form 101 -- Voluntary Petition for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy
- Form 106A/B -- Schedule A/B: Property
- Form 106C -- Schedule C: Property Claimed as Exempt
- Form 106D -- Schedule D: Creditors Who Hold Claims Secured by Property
- Form 106E/F -- Schedule E/F: Creditors Who Hold Unsecured Claims
- Form 106G -- Schedule G: Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases
- Form 106H -- Schedule H: Your Codebtors
- Form 106I -- Schedule I: Your Income
- Form 106J -- Schedule J: Your Expenses
- Form 107 -- Statement of Financial Affairs
- Form 108 -- Statement of Intention for Individuals Filing Under Chapter 7
- Form 122A-1/122A-2 -- Chapter 7 Means Test Calculation
- Form 121 -- Statement About Your Social Security Numbers
Chapter 13 Additional Forms
- Form 122C-1/122C-2 -- Chapter 13 Calculation of Your Disposable Income
- Chapter 13 Plan -- Most districts have a local model plan form
- All Schedule forms (106A through 106J) -- same as Chapter 7
- Form 107 -- Statement of Financial Affairs
Local Court Guides
Many bankruptcy courts publish their own pro se guides, often with step-by-step instructions tailored to local rules and procedures. To find yours:
- Go to your local bankruptcy court's website (search for "[your state] bankruptcy court")
- Look for sections labeled "Pro Se," "Self-Help," "Filing Without an Attorney," or "Forms and Instructions"
- Download any local forms, instructions, or checklists
- Review local rules -- these supplement the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and vary by district
PACER and Court Records
Accessing Your Case Online
PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) lets you view docket entries, filed documents, and court orders in your case. It costs $0.10 per page (capped at $3.00 per document), though fees under $30 per quarter are waived. You can also request a PACER fee exemption if you qualify.
Most courts also use CM/ECF for electronic filing. Pro se filers may or may not be required to file electronically -- check your local rules.
Key Deadlines to Know
Critical Pro Se Deadlines
- 14 days after filing: Schedules, Statement of Financial Affairs, and means test must be filed if not filed with the petition
- 7 days before 341 meeting: Pay stubs and tax returns must be provided to the trustee
- 341 meeting date: Usually 20-40 days after filing -- you must attend
- 60 days after 341 meeting: Deadline for creditors to object to discharge or dischargeability
- Before discharge: Must complete financial management course and file certificate
Missing any of these deadlines can result in case dismissal. There is no extra time for being pro se.
More Pro Se Resources
Related Guides