Texans can file for relief in one of the four United States bankruptcy courts, including the Eastern, Western, Southern, and Northern districts. When filing at any of these courts, it is essential to know which records and verification documents are required and which forms to complete. These could vary slightly, depending on which type of bankruptcy you file. Contact one of our knowledgeable bankruptcy attorneys for assistance in determining the necessary documents needed to file bankruptcy in Dallas.
What Are the Common Required Bankruptcy Forms?
When filing for bankruptcy, the debtor must file specific forms. Official federal forms are available on the U.S. Courts website and are similar across all districts in the state. The first form is the primary document—called the petition—providing the filer’s name and other basic information. Some of the forms you may be required to complete include:
- Monthly income, disposable income, and means test
- List of the 20 largest unsecured creditors and equity security holders
- List of all of the debtor’s creditors, including contact information and addresses
- Order of the employer to pay the trustee for those filing Chapter 13 with wage reductions
- Credit counseling certificate—proof of completion for the pre-filing credit counseling course
- Individual debtor’s statement of intention—explaining whether the debtor plans to keep or surrender secured property
- Schedules A through J—detailing the debtor’s assets, exemptions, secured and unsecured debts, and executory contracts
- Statement of financial affairs—disclosing the debtor’s income, expenses, transfers, recent financial transactions, and gifts
The petition must also include Official Form 121, which is a statement of the debtor’s Social Security number. Our experienced Dallas lawyers could review the necessary forms and answer your questions regarding the bankruptcy filing process.
Supporting Documents
In addition to recent financial records, there are other supporting documents needed for filing the petition. This includes a government-issued photo identification—such as a driver’s license or passport—a copy of the Social Security Card, and Social Security number to establish the debtor’s identity. The petitioner should also provide proof of income—which may be the last six months of pay stubs, W-2s, or 1099s from the prior year—to calculate the means test.
Other supporting details include the most recent federal tax returns—some districts require the two most recent years to assess tax debts and disposable income. Personal checking and savings accounts, retirement, and investment account bank statements from the last three to six months are also necessary for the list of assets and recent transactions. The petitioner should also provide verification of debt and loans. These include the previous six months of credit card statements, loan documents for mortgages, auto loans, any student debt, and medical bills. The debtor may also need the following:
- Lease agreements
- Recent utility bills
- Tax assessment notices
Completing all the forms also requires asset and property documentation. That includes vehicle titles, registrations, insurance policies, and home mortgages or property deeds. Appraisals or valuation documentation are also helpful. No two bankruptcy cases are alike, and the forms required in Dallas could vary significantly, depending on the type of relief and other factors.
Call Us To Learn About the Forms Required To File For Bankruptcy in Dallas
Filing for relief in bankruptcy court can be a confusing and stressful time, as the many forms required for a petition vary significantly from one person to the next. Contact our skilled lawyers at Allmand Law Firm, PLLC, to go through each step of the process and answer your questions.
Call to schedule an appointment and learn more about the documents needed to file bankruptcy in Dallas. We offer a fully virtual process so you can choose the most convenient time for you. Contact our office today.
