Pro Se Filing Checklist

Phase 1: Before Filing

• Complete credit counseling (UST-approved provider, within 180 days)
• Obtain credit counseling certificate
• Gather 6 months of pay stubs
• Gather 2 years of tax returns
• Gather 6 months of bank statements (all accounts)
• Collect all loan documents and creditor statements
• Get current mortgage statement (if applicable)
• List all creditors with names, addresses, account numbers, and balances
• Determine property values (real estate, vehicles, personal property)
• Research your state's exemptions

Phase 2: Complete the Forms

All official forms available free at uscourts.gov.

• Voluntary Petition (Form 101) -- basic information, chapter selection
• Schedule A/B -- all property (real and personal)
• Schedule C -- property claimed as exempt
• Schedule D -- secured creditors
• Schedule E/F -- priority and unsecured creditors
• Schedule G -- executory contracts and unexpired leases
• Schedule H -- codebtors
• Schedule I -- current income
• Schedule J -- current expenses
• Statement of Financial Affairs (Form 107)
• Means Test -- Form 122A-1/122A-2 (Ch.7) or 122C-1/122C-2 (Ch.13)
• Chapter 13 Plan (Form 113) -- if filing Chapter 13
• Creditor Matrix -- formatted list of all creditors (check local format requirements)

Phase 3: Filing Day

• All forms signed and dated
• Correct number of copies (call clerk for your district's requirements)
• Filing fee: $338 (Ch.7) or $313 (Ch.13) -- or fee waiver/installment application
• Credit counseling certificate attached
• Photo ID for the clerk

Phase 4: After Filing

• Note your case number and assigned trustee
• Note the 341 meeting date (sent by the court)
• Bring photo ID and Social Security card to the 341 meeting
• Bring tax returns and pay stubs to the 341 meeting
• Complete debtor education course (different from credit counseling)
• File debtor education certificate with the court
• Respond to any court orders or motions by the deadline