Question for those Using Fillable PDF Forms from Court (Central District) Website

[crackedmuse]

Please don't shoot me for asking such a simple question, but I'm a bit baffled.

The Petition package is one 76 pg file, so when you enter your name on page one of the Voluntary Petition, you are asked to write your name as: last name, first name, middle name. Once you enter it, the pdf file automatically inserts your name on all other forms on the "In re (debtor) line. However, the Nolo book (and every sample petition I've seen) always lists the debtor as: first name, middle name, last name after the first three pages of the Petition (basically, all schedules and forms through the end)

It's my understanding the case name is: In re Susan Betty Anthony - not - Anthony, Susan Betty correct?

My question is, am I supposed to print out the first 3 pages, then change my name and print the remaining forms? Or does it not matter at all?

Again, please excuse my ignorance on such a basic question. And the court is the Central District of California

[AngelinaCat]

Honey, you are doing fine.

As for filling out the forms, look up the local rules of your BK court, and see if you can find which version they prefer. Or, call the clerk of the BK Court, and ask this question. It sounds like you may be trying to file 'pro se', that is, without an attorney. It also sounds like you haven't filed yet, so you don't have a case number.

Call anyway, and explain who you are and why you are calling--especially if you are pro se. You should get some information at least.

Please come back and tell us how it went.

Thanks,
AC

[crackedmuse]

Yes, I am filing pro se. I actually have everything ready to go (just waiting on a tax transcript to arrive) and plan to file first week of November. I went through all of Local Rules and of course, EVERYTHING was covered except the Debtor's Name. LOL. (Guess your own name is supposed to be self-explanatory).

I let the pdf file do its thing (last, first, middle) and didn't even think about it until I started noticing how the name was listed on all the sample petitions. Since I've never seen a real one, just thought I'd ask how others were listed. For example, when you check your case on Pacer does it say In re Susan Betty Anthony? Anyway, I will call the Clerk and find out for sure. Since I'm using their forms and it's automatic, I doubt it's anything I should go crazy about. Thanks!

[buzzstpoint]

As for the name. I think it may vary from district to district.

I filed Pro Se as well and all of my forms were "First Middle Last (Gen))

A quick call to your district will answer them for you.. You'll find the clerks will be very helpful.

[crackedmuse]

Meant to update this, but I spoke with the Clerk in the Riverside Division and was told they require last name, first name, middle name - which is how the downloadable forms automatically format. So for Central District anyway, it appears this is their preference: In re: Anthony, Susan Betty.

[buzzstpoint]

Another note on the fillable fill in PDf forms.
If you have Adobe reader (Most do) you wont be able to save your forms.
I got around this by downloading Nitro PDF (Free version). You can save all your work and edit later.
Actually I haven't removed it from my computer and still use it in place of Adobe.

[crackedmuse]

I have Adobe Professional, so saving/editing (as well as changing fonts in a few of those incredibly small boxes) is not an issue for me. However, I echo your recommendation for Nitro as an excellent free program.