CHAPTER 7 PETITION INTAKE CHECKLIST

• ID and SSN proof (gov’t ID, Social Security card).
• Last 6 months’ pay stubs and income sources; unemployment/benefits.
• Last 2 years’ federal and state tax returns.
• Bank statements (3–6 months) for all accounts.
• Assets: real property (deeds, mortgages), vehicles (titles/loans), personal property list, valuations, insurance.
• Debts: credit cards, medical, personal loans, student loans, judgments, liens, arrears.
• Secured debts and collateral details; reaffirmation intentions.
• Leases (residential/auto/equipment).
• Lawsuits, garnishments, repossessions, foreclosures (status, dates).
• Transfers/gifts to insiders (2 years; longer for some states) and sales of assets.
• Business ownership interests; recent business closures.
• Retirement accounts (401k/IRA) and loans.
• Domestic support obligations (amount, payee info).
• Prior bankruptcies (chapter, district, case number, discharge status).
• Credit counseling certificate (pre-filing) within required period.
• Means test data (household size, median income, expenses).
• Anticipated tax refunds; earned income/child tax credits.
• Co-debtors and co-signed debts.
• Attorney fee/retainer disclosures per local rules.
• Local forms/exhibits (verification of creditor matrix, declaration re: schedules).
• 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.