Last Updated: March 31, 2008
Quick Reference for filing a case
Filing Bare Bones petitions electronically
Statement of Current Monthly Income
This document is required on all cases of individual debtors whose debts are primarily consumer debts. In joint cases, a means test must be filed for each debtor. Do not include it with the petition pdf file.
There is a specific form for each chapter;
Chapter 7 Statement of Current Monthly Income and Means Test Calculation - Form 22A
Chapter 11 Statement of Current Monthly Income - Form 22B
Chapter 13 Statement of Current Monthly Income and Disposable Income Calculation - Form 22C
Certificate of Credit Counseling
All individuals debtors must receive budget and credit counseling from a non-profit agency approved by the U. S. Trustee's Office (Refer to 11 USC 109(H) for exceptions).
The debtor must file a Certificate of Credit Counseling. This certificate should be filed as a separate filing. Do not include it with the petition pdf file.
Statement of Social Security Number(s)
Do not file a Statement of Social Security Number(s). The Declaration Regarding Electronic Filing is filed in the place of the statement of social security number(s).
Street Address and Mailing Address
The debtor's street address must be reflected on the petition.
If the debtor has a mailing address that is different from the street address, this address must also be reflected on the petition. The mailing address should be entered in CM/ECF.
If the joint debtor resides at a different address than the debtor, record the joint debtor's address on the Joint Debtor Information page.
Step-by-Step Procedures:
Select [Bankruptcy>Open a BK Case]
The following fields will appear;
Case type
Defaults to bk for bankruptcy
Date filed
Defaults to current date
Chapter
Click down arrow to select chapter
Joint Petition
Defaults to n (no). Select y (yes) for joint petition
Click Next
The Search for a debtor screen will display. Completion of this screen will result in a search of the party database to determine if a record exist for the debtor(s).
The debtor's Social Security Number or Tax ID and Name should be entered on this screen (i.e. 111-22-3333)
When completing the name field;
If the debtor is a business, enter the entire name in the Last/Business name field.
Note: (Use upper and lower case letters not all capital letters)
Complete the appropriate fields and click Search
If there is not a match, a message will appearing stating "No person found". You will have to add the party.
If there is a match is found, the party search results box will display with all possible matches.
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No party record found |
Party record found |
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Refer to Style Guide procedure for correct data entry format.
Party information screen will display.
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The party search results screen will display parties' name If multiple exact name matches are found, each record should be reviewed to determine which record should be selected. When a name is clicked, a Party Address window will display. If the party's address needs to be updated, you can make the update when the Party Information screen displays.
Use an existing record if: name and social security number match address does not match (you will have an opportunity to update the record on the party information screen)
The Debtor Information screen will display.
Complete all fields except:
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The Divisional Office screen will display. The screen will show either Chicago or Rockford. The divisional office is set based on the debtor's county.
Click Next
If case is a joint filing, Click Here.
The Statistical Data screen will display. Make the following selections;
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Chapter 11 Cases Check boxes will appear for the following statements;
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Prior filing within last 8 years
Select no or yes
Fee status
Defaults to Paid. Change to Installment
Nature of debt
Select business or consumer
Asset notice
Chapter 7 cases will default to No
Chapter 11, 12, and 13 cases will default to Yes
Chapter 9 and 15 cases will default to a blank field. You will have to make a selection.
Estimated number of creditors
Click down arrow and make selection
Estimated assets
Click down arrow and make selection
Estimated debts
Click down arrow and make selection
Type of debtor
Make appropriate selection
Note: Tax-Exempt Entity can be selected in conjunction with any type of business.
Click Next
The Summary of Schedules screen will display. This screen should be completed for individual debtors filing chapter 7, 11 or 13 cases.
Data from the Summary of Schedules (form 6), must be recorded on this screen. Record totals only from schedules A, B, D, E, F, I, J, Form 22, and Total Type of Liability (from form 6).
Note: The total for type of liability can be found on the Statistical Summary of Certain Liabilities and Related form (page 2 of summary of schedules).
Attention!! If the Summary of Schedules is not filed with the petition, you are not required to complete the screen.
Click Next
The PDF Document selection screen will display.
Click Browse button and navigate to locate the petition
Note: All petitions, schedules, statement of financial affairs, etc normally filed with a case must be bookmarked.
View file to confirm the correct file is being selected
Click Open and the filename will appear in the browse window
Click Next
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Chapter 7 Cases |
Chapter 13 Cases |
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The Filing Fee screen will appear. Review note.
Change the fee box to the initial installment amount that is being paid
Click Next
A blank page will display. Click Next to continue.
The Final Text screen will display. This is your final opportunity to modify the entry before submitting the filing.
Verify the accuracy of the docket text. If not correct/ if correct
Click Next to submit filing
Next, the judge/trustee assignment and payment windows will display.
Judge/Trustee Assignment
You have two options:
Run Judge/Trustee - this option will assign the judge, trustee and 341 meeting date
After assignment is complete, click the X in the upper right corner to close the window.
Continue Filing - this option allows you to continue filing cases without assigning judge, trustee or 341 meeting date
Select one of the two options.
Electronic Payment
You have two options:
Continue Filing
Select one of the two options and close the window when done.
The Notice of Electronic Filing will display. It is the verification that the filing has been sent electronically to the court.
Copies of this notice and the document filed are emailed to all participants who receive electronic notification in the case. You have a period of 15 days for a one time free look at the document filed.
Statement of Current Monthly Income (according to chapter)
Chapter 13 Plan (if applicable)
