When a person wants to file any bankruptcy-related action in Plano, there are a number of forms that he must first fill out before he takes any further action. You will require Official Bankruptcy Forms to initiate a bankruptcy action, and Procedural Forms for some stages of the bankruptcy proceedings.
Locating Online Bankruptcy Forms
The main source for these bankruptcy forms, or most of the bankruptcy forms that you will need for your filing, is the United States Courts website. Open the website (www.uscourts.gov) and click the Forms & Fees option on the top menu. Then click Bankruptcy Forms under the Forms subheader.
You’ll then see a few options, including Part I – Official Forms, Instructions and Committee Notes. This is where you’ll find the Official Bankruptcy Forms. Another option is the Part II – Procedural Forms and Instructions, where you’ll find the Procedural Forms.
As you open either option, you’ll see options for several different forms. You can click on each of the ones you’ll need for your bankruptcy to open a PDF. You can save the PDF to your computer and you can also print it. You can fill out the form online, or you can print it and fill it out manually. The choice is yours.
Consult an attorney for help figuring out exactly which forms you’ll need to complete your Plano bankruptcy. Filing the right forms is vital to make sure your bankruptcy case goes as smoothly as possible. Your attorney can also help you fill out the forms and collect any other documentation you might need.
Meanwhile, the Eastern District of Texas website also contains many of the bankruptcy forms online (www.txeb.uscourts.gov/).
Where must I file the bankruptcy papers?
Bankruptcy forms or papers are filed in a federal bankruptcy court. These courts are located all over the country, and are divided into judicial districts. For instance, residents of Plano who want to file for bankruptcy can file their papers at the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Eastern District of Texas.
You don’t necessarily have to file in the Eastern District of Texas bankruptcy court. You can file either in the district where you are currently residing or domiciled, or you can file for bankruptcy in the district where you have lived for most of the 180-day period before the bankruptcy. An attorney at Warren & Migliaccio can help you figure out which option may suit you best.
How much do I have to pay at the time of filing my papers?
You must pay approximately $335 if you want to file for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and $310 to file for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing, per the latest fee schedule. The fees to reopen a bankruptcy are different. The court fees can be paid either as a lump sum or in installments if you cannot afford to pay the fees in a lump sum.
Both of these types of bankruptcies are designed to meet different requirements. Speak to an attorney about whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy will be suitable in your situation.
If you plan to seek the help of an attorney for your bankruptcy filing, you will also have to pay the attorney’s fees. Set up a consultation with the lawyer so you understand all of the fees you can expect.
If you are currently struggling with debt, or are facing harassment by creditors, and you’re in the Plano area, speak to a bankruptcy attorney at our firm. Call 888-584-9614 to speak with a lawyer from Warren & Migliaccio or fill out the form on our website to set up a free evaluation.