CHAPTER 13 PETITION INTAKE CHECKLIST

• ID and SSN proof (government ID, Social Security card).
• Last 6 months of income (pay stubs, benefits, business income); projected ongoing income.
• Tax returns (last 2 years) and any unfiled returns.
• Bank statements (3-6 months) for all accounts.
• Assets: real property (values, liens), vehicles (values, loans), personal property list, insurance.
• Debts: secured, priority, unsecured; arrears on mortgages, car loans, domestic support; judgments/liens.
• Leases and executory contracts; assumption/rejection intentions.
• Co-debtors, co-signed debts.
• Prior bankruptcies (chapter, district, case number, discharge/dismissal dates).
• Domestic support obligations (amounts, payee info) and post-petition payment plan.
• Budget for plan feasibility (Schedule I/J inputs); trustee percentage estimate.
• Means test and disposable income calculations (Form 122C).
• Proposed plan terms: length (36/60 months), cure amounts, cramdown/valuation needs, lien strips, adequate protection payments.
• Credit counseling certificate completed within 180 days pre-petition (11 U.S.C. Section 109(h)); counselor info saved.
• Attorney fee agreement/retainer documentation; Rule 2016(b) disclosure prep.
• Property exemptions analysis (state vs. federal election where available); planned Schedule C entries.
• Recent transfers or payments to insiders or other parties (preference/fraudulent transfer screening).
• Pending litigation or claims the debtor may have (potential assets).
• Business ownership/self-employed: P&Ls, balance sheets, AR/AP aging, licenses, payroll tax status.
• Plan payment method (wage order vs. direct pay); start date.
• 341 meeting preparation: IDs, proof of SSN, plan payment status, required documents for trustee.
• Insurance proof (auto/home) current.
• Local forms/exhibits (creditor matrix verification, plan form, declarations).
• Post-filing debtor education provider identified.

Local Rules Checklist

• Confirm local bankruptcy rules, judge procedures, and any required local forms.
• Verify notice and service requirements, including creditor matrix format.
• Check deadlines in the scheduling order and use the correct CM/ECF event.