Filed Chapter 7 yesterday. Posting this account of my experience in the hope of assisting someone else.
While I technically filed Pro Se, I did consult with an attorney along the way (income above the state median). The attorney prepared rough drafts of Form 22A (means test) and Schedule I (current income) and Schedule J (current expenses). I prepared final drafts the night before filing; substituting my latest income information, current bank balances, etc.
Along the way I used the Nolo book on How to File Chapter 7 for guidance on completing the rest of the paperwork myself. This book is an excellent guide - not only for instruction on preparing the forms - but to help you understand the BK process and the reasoning behind each form. Reading this book will make you confident that you can answer any question the trustee might ask while reviewing your petition. I prepared the forms (using the PDF files available from federal court website) and scheduled a day off from work.
On the morning of the filing, I first made a stop at a local copy shop to photocopy all of my original forms with signature. The court clerk will provide a file-stamped copy for your records if you bring an extra copy when you file.
Next, it was on to the federal courthouse. The clerk was very courteous and pleasant. I asked her to arrange my papers in the proper order as I was not sure I had everything correct. She asked me for my drivers license then asked me to wait in the lobby.
When the clerk was ready (maybe 20 minutes) she had me paid the fees to the cashier. You will need to bring a money order for $299 with you. The cashier finished up then handed me my file-stamped copy of the forms.
The forms were returned to me in the following order:
Voluntary Petition
Notice to Consumer Debtors Under 342
Schedule A
Schedule B
Schedule C
Schedule D
Schedule E
Schedule F
Schedule G
Schedule H
Schedule I
Schedule J
Summary of Schedules
Statistical Summary of Certain Liabilities
Declaration Concerning Schedules
Statement of Financial Affairs
Statement of Intention
Verification of Creditor Matrix
Print out of creditor list
Statement of Income and Means Test Calculation
Exhibit D - Credit Counseling
Counseling Certificate
Statement of Social Security Number
I was also given a print out of a "Notice of Filing" which contains my case number and the trustee. I was surprised the trustee was named at the same time as the filing. I figured I would get trustee information in the mail a few days later but I walked out with his name and contact info in my hand.
Now I need to mail a copy of the Statement of Intent to each of my secured creditors and await my 341 meeting. I will post an account of that experience as well for you Pro Se filers out there.
While I technically filed Pro Se, I did consult with an attorney along the way (income above the state median). The attorney prepared rough drafts of Form 22A (means test) and Schedule I (current income) and Schedule J (current expenses). I prepared final drafts the night before filing; substituting my latest income information, current bank balances, etc.
Along the way I used the Nolo book on How to File Chapter 7 for guidance on completing the rest of the paperwork myself. This book is an excellent guide - not only for instruction on preparing the forms - but to help you understand the BK process and the reasoning behind each form. Reading this book will make you confident that you can answer any question the trustee might ask while reviewing your petition. I prepared the forms (using the PDF files available from federal court website) and scheduled a day off from work.
On the morning of the filing, I first made a stop at a local copy shop to photocopy all of my original forms with signature. The court clerk will provide a file-stamped copy for your records if you bring an extra copy when you file.
Next, it was on to the federal courthouse. The clerk was very courteous and pleasant. I asked her to arrange my papers in the proper order as I was not sure I had everything correct. She asked me for my drivers license then asked me to wait in the lobby.
When the clerk was ready (maybe 20 minutes) she had me paid the fees to the cashier. You will need to bring a money order for $299 with you. The cashier finished up then handed me my file-stamped copy of the forms.
The forms were returned to me in the following order:
Voluntary Petition
Notice to Consumer Debtors Under 342
Schedule A
Schedule B
Schedule C
Schedule D
Schedule E
Schedule F
Schedule G
Schedule H
Schedule I
Schedule J
Summary of Schedules
Statistical Summary of Certain Liabilities
Declaration Concerning Schedules
Statement of Financial Affairs
Statement of Intention
Verification of Creditor Matrix
Print out of creditor list
Statement of Income and Means Test Calculation
Exhibit D - Credit Counseling
Counseling Certificate
Statement of Social Security Number
I was also given a print out of a "Notice of Filing" which contains my case number and the trustee. I was surprised the trustee was named at the same time as the filing. I figured I would get trustee information in the mail a few days later but I walked out with his name and contact info in my hand.
Now I need to mail a copy of the Statement of Intent to each of my secured creditors and await my 341 meeting. I will post an account of that experience as well for you Pro Se filers out there.
341 Meeting 12-16-2010 
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