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FAQs
Debtor
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Can I appear for the 341 meeting of creditors telephonically?
Contact your case trustee's office for more information.
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Do I need an attorney to file for bankruptcy?
You may file a bankruptcy petition on your own if you are an individual, but not if you are a corporation or partnership. However, the relief available to you, the obligations imposed on you and the ramifications associated with the bankruptcy are extremely complex. It is difficult to have a successful bankruptcy case without the help of competent legal counsel.
If you decide to file without an attorney, see our website "Filing Bankruptcy without an Attorney" for more information.
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How can I add a creditor that was accidentally left off my bankruptcy case?
You can file the appropriate Amended Schedule (D, E, or F) to add or correct the creditors address accompanied with the amount from the fee schedule (Amendments to debtor’s schedules, lists of creditors or mailing list). The fee must be paid with by cash, money order, or certified check. The money order, or certified check must be made payable to U. S. Bankruptcy Court.
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How can I change or correct information in the petition, statements, and schedules I have filed?
See Amended Petition Procedures make sure your document is titled "Amended."
https://tdi.ilnb.uscourts.gov/madcap/Default.htm#other_events/amended%20petition.htm
Amended Schedules (no fee)
https://tdi.ilnb.uscourts.gov/madcap/Default.htm#other_events/schedules.htm
Amended Schedule (fee)
https://tdi.ilnb.uscourts.gov/madcap/Default.htm#other_events/schedules.htm
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How do I change my address? (Debtor)
See procedures:
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How do I find out who the trustee is in a case?
You may obtain the trustee's name by calling our Voice Case Information System (McVCIS) at 1-866-222-8029 additional information regarding McVCIS can be found at McVCIS; or accessing our user on-line bankruptcy information system PACER https://www.pacer.gov; you may also contact our Public Service help line at (312) 435-5694 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except for Federal Holidays.
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How do I get my bankruptcy removed from the Credit Bureau's record?
The bankruptcy court does NOT perform any activities with the credit bureaus. You must contact the individual credit bureau’s for their procedure for removing your bankruptcy filing from their credit report. In general, bankruptcies are listed on your credit report for 7-10 years.
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How do I know if a debt is secured, unsecured, priority, or administrative, so I can fill out my schedules correctly?
Answering this question is considered legal advice and the Court's staff is not allowed to provide legal advice. Please contact an attorney or the Bankruptcy Assistance Desk.
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How many years will Bankruptcy show on my credit report?
Your bankruptcy will remain on your credit report anywhere from 7 to 10 years, depending on the credit reporting agency's policy.
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I already took a certificate of credit counseling course when I filed my case, do I have to complete another one?
Yes, That was the first required class; the second required class is the Financial Management Instructional Courses (Debtor Education Class) which is also required to receive a discharge.
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I already took a class (Certificate of Credit Counseling Course) when I filed my case, do I have to complete another one?
Yes, That was the first required class; the second required class is the Financial Management Instructional Courses (Debtor Education Class) which is also required to receive a discharge.
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I already took the Financial Management Instructional Courses (Debtor Education) and sent it to my attorney, what should I do now?
Check your case to see if your attorney filed the document, If not, contact your attorney. They can file it for you electronically.
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I am not fluent in English; can I be provided an interpreter for the meeting of creditors?
Yes. Contact your case trustee's office for Chapter 7s or Chapter 13s. Contact the United States Trustee's office for Chapter 11s.
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I attended a Section 341 Meeting of Creditors before my case converted to another chapter. Do I have to attend another meeting?
Yes. Typically when the case is converted to another chapter the new trustee is assigned to the case and another 341 meeting is schedule.
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I mailed the Financial Management Instructional Courses certificate with (Official Form B23), when will my case be discharged?
After the last date to object to discharge your case will then be reviewed for discharge.
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I received a notice of motion for relief from automatic stay. What does it mean?
Motion for relief from the automatic stay, usually file by a creditor, requests the court’s permission to proceed with a repossession, foreclosure, or lawsuit against a debtor. Without such permission, the creditor would be violating the automatic stay protecting the debtor. For further assistance please seek legal advice.
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I received some papers in the mail - Debtor's Declaration of Domestic Support Obligations. What does domestic support mean? Which box do I check?
In a Chapter 13, the Debtor's Declaration Regarding Domestic Support Obligations form is required in order to receive a discharge. Form B283 may be used by debtors to certify that they have complied with two of the requirements set out in section 1328(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. § 1328(a), for a discharge in chapter 13. The certifications must be made after the debtor has completed the plan payments.
We cannot tell you which box to select since that is considered a legal question.
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I received the Notice to Individual Debtors to file a statement of completion of course in personal financial management (Official Form B23). What is it?
It's a reminder for you to file a Debtor's Certification of Completion of Postpetition Instructional Course (Official Form B23) and if your case is a chapter 13 you must also file Debtor's Declaration Regarding Domestic Support Obligations (required to obtain chapter 13 discharge under 1328(a))
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Is my attorney aware that I have to take the Financial Management Instructional (Debtor Education Courses)?
Yes, your attorney is aware of this required course. You should always speak with your attorney in regards to your case and what is needed to receive your discharge.
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Is the Financial Management Instructional Courses (Debtor Education) important?
Yes, In order to receive your Discharge the Financial Management Instructional Courses (Debtor Education) must be taken and Official Form B23 filed with the Court.