Question How long do I keep BK paperwork after discharge?

[ksgirl38]

I know I've seen this question posted before, but now can't find any of the threads or remember the answer. My BK was discharged in fall of 2012, how long do I need to keep all the paperwork. I'm moving in a couple of months and I'm cleaning things out and need to know how much of it to keep. I'm assuming keeping the actual discharge letter is necessary, but what about all the other info I had given to my attorney. She returned it all to me when my case was over and I'm not sure how much to keep now. I've gone through the checking of the credit report, etc, just don't want to shred something I may need later. Thanks.

[TXskyblue]

I don't see a reason to keep anything other than the discharge order. And honestly, even the discharge order is available for free online.

[tobee43]

i just scanned it all into the computer just in case. the close and discharge orders are always good to keep for years. but it's so simple to have everything right on my computer. a few times i had to send a copy of the discharge, great to have it at my finger tips.

[Pjmax]

The way things usually go, as soon as you throw it out, you need it!

[ksgirl38]

i just scanned it all into the computer just in case. the close and discharge orders are always good to keep for years. but it's so simple to have everything right on my computer. a few times i had to send a copy of the discharge, great to have it at my finger tips.

Well if you've got a high speed scanner that's great, but if you don't like me that means you have to do each page individually and with a couple hundred pages that could take me quite awhile.

[ksgirl38]

The way things usually go, as soon as you throw it out, you need it!

Exactly. I just came across something recently where it indicated I might need my discharge letter so I know that's a keeper, but I'm in a purging mode so I'm trying to eliminate what I can.

[Pjmax]

I downloaded all the Pacer docs and saved them as PDFs, no scanning.

[Pjmax]

If you are only keeping the minimum, keep a copy of your original filing docs. About a year after discharge, I had to send a copy of my creditor matrix to T-Mobile BK dept. to get a restriction lifted.

[ksgirl38]

If you are only keeping the minimum, keep a copy of your original filing docs. About a year after discharge, I had to send a copy of my creditor matrix to T-Mobile BK dept. to get a restriction lifted.

I really didn't want to sign up for Pacer just for this purpose. Thought there was an easier solution to this question.

[Pjmax]

There is no charge if you keep under the page amount. Don't surf around, don't read every page, click on a doc and save it. If I recall, it's pretty easy to see how many pages you have to go before there is a charge. Or, get busy and scan.

[ksgirl38]

There is no charge if you keep under the page amount. Don't surf around, don't read every page, click on a doc and save it. If I recall, it's pretty easy to see how many pages you have to go before there is a charge. Or, get busy and scan.

I think the whole point of my question is being missed. If I already have these documents, why do I want to copy them again? I'm looking for a consensus on what needs to be saved.

[tobee43]

Well if you've got a high speed scanner that's great, but if you don't like me that means you have to do each page individually and with a couple hundred pages that could take me quite awhile.

LOL! i have a feeder that puts a nice line right smack in the middle of a page, so i hand fed every single page. just like i had to last week doing a trust tax account all 109 pages of it.

i just find it's worth the time, and i have little to spare, but it certainly beats digging through the files or having it right at my finger tips at all times with a press of a key touch.

[keepmine]

I'm keeping all my bk paperwork forever.
I made a copy of my discharge and creditors matrix and have it in my desk drawer in case I need it for something. Everything else is in my safe deposit box.

[tobee43]

i want to mention that in these past few years i have had to send out copies of my discharge 3 times. i'm with you keep, i'll be keeping a hard copy and scan copies forever. one NEVER knows when a question will arise. seen it so many times here on the forum creditors attempting to collect past debts after a bk is closed and discharged.

[tobee43]

ksgirl38: I think the whole point of my question is being missed. If I already have these documents, why do I want to copy them again? I'm looking for a consensus on what needs to be saved.

everything to do with your bk filing. including copies of the 2 orders issued by the court.