Mistake 1: incomplete schedules
The #1 killer. Every asset on Schedule A/B -- even exempt ones. Every creditor on Schedules D, E/F -- even debts you plan to keep paying. Under 11 U.S.C. § 727(a)(4), the court can deny discharge for failure to disclose.
Use credit reports as a checklist. Pull all three from annualcreditreport.com. Cross-reference every account. Also list creditors not on credit reports (medical providers, family loans).
Mistake 2: missing deadlines
- Credit counseling certificate: File with petition or within 14 days
- Remaining schedules (emergency filing): Due within 14 days
- 341 meeting: Missing without rescheduling = likely dismissal
- Debtor education certificate: Must be filed before discharge deadline
- Tax returns to trustee: At least 7 days before 341 meeting
Mistake 3: wrong exemptions
Schedule C errors are dangerous. Each state has its own exemption laws. Common errors: using the wrong state's exemptions (must use the state you lived in for the majority of 730 days before filing), mixing state and federal exemptions, claiming too much, or not claiming enough.
Mistake 4: means test errors
If income exceeds the state median, you must complete the full means test. Using the wrong 6-month lookback period or wrong deduction amounts triggers immediate issues with the U.S. Trustee.
Mistake 5: not listing all creditors
Unlisted creditors do not receive notice. In many jurisdictions, unlisted debts may not be discharged. List every creditor -- including ones you want to keep paying, disputed debts, small debts, and old debts.
Mistake 6: ignoring local rules
Each court has local rules supplementing national rules: required local forms, formatting requirements, additional documents, different deadlines, cover sheets. Check your court's website for local rules and pro se instructions.
You can amend. File amended schedules for $32. Correct errors before the 341 meeting whenever possible -- proactive corrections are far better received than errors the trustee discovers.