DIY Bankruptcy -- How to File Without a Lawyer

DIY Bankruptcy: The Complete Checklist

Filing bankruptcy yourself (DIY / pro se) requires careful preparation. Here is the complete checklist:

Before Filing

1. Complete credit counseling from an approved provider (uscourts.gov list)
2. Gather 60 days of pay stubs
3. Get your most recent federal tax return
4. Pull free credit reports from annualcreditreport.com
5. List all debts with creditor names, addresses, account numbers, and balances
6. List all property with estimated values (KBB for cars, Zillow for homes)
7. Research your state's exemptions
8. Download all official forms from uscourts.gov

Filing Day

1. Complete all forms (Petition, Schedules A-J, SOFA, Means Test)
2. File at the clerk's office for your bankruptcy district
3. Pay the filing fee ($338 Ch. 7, $313 Ch. 13) or request installments/waiver

After Filing

1. Attend the 341 meeting of creditors (mandatory)
2. Complete the debtor education course
3. Respond to any trustee or creditor requests
4. Receive your discharge (60-90 days after 341 for Ch. 7)