Parties not represented by a lawyer may file a bankruptcy petition or other document by sending the petition or document in PDF format to the Clerk at the following email address:  prosebankruptcy_efiling@ilnb.uscourts.gov

 

INFORMATION TO INCLUDE. Documents emailed to the Clerk for filing must include the party’s name, address, and phone number. For existing cases, the email’s subject line must say: “Pro Se Filing [Insert Case Number].” For new cases, the subject line must say: “Pro Se Filing – New Petition.

 

SIGNATURE REQUIRED. Any document that requires a signature must be signed with the filer’s original handwritten signature, then scanned and attached to the email to the Clerk.

 

DATE OF FILING. Documents are not considered filed until the filer receives an electronic reply from the Clerk confirming the filing, original signature, and payment of any fee. Documents sent after 4:30  p.m. Monday - Friday will be reviewed the next business day.

 

PAYMENT OF FILING FEE. If the petition or document requires a filing fee, the fee must be sent to the Clerk by mailing a certified check or money order payable to “Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court” (no cash will be accepted by mail) in the exact amount. Include the case number on the certified check or money order. If the filer wants a receipt, a stamped, self-addressed envelope must be included with the payment. The petition or document will not be filed until payment of the fee is received.

 

Chicago  cases
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Illinois
219 S. Dearborn St, Room 710
Chicago, Illinois 60604

 

Rockford  cases
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Illinois
327 South Church Street
Rockford, Illinois  61101

 

Filers can also submit payments through the Clerk's Office Drop Box.

 

Please call the Customer Service Information line for Chicago, (312) 408-5000 or Rockford, (815) 987-4350 to advise that a filing or payment has been submitted via the dropbox.

 

Please view these links for additional information .