Appendix G Sample Bankruptcy Pleadings and Other Forms

116 Pages·2006·0.83 MB·English

Appendix G Sample Bankruptcy Pleadings and Other Forms
G.1 Introduction
ThisAppendixcontainsoverone-hundred-sixtyconsumerbankruptcypleadingsandother
forms.AllcaptionshavebeendeletedinfavorofreferencestoOfficialForms16A,16B,and
16D, which are contained in Appendix D, supra. These pleadings are also found in both
AdobeAcrobat(PDF)formatandMicrosoftWordformatontheCD-Romaccompanyingthis
manual.Thesepleadingsshouldbeeditedusingyourword-processingprograminordertofit
the particulars of an actual case.
IMPORTANT NOTE CONCERNING CAPTIONS OF PLEADINGS
AND OTHER NOTICES TO CREDITORS
11U.S.C.§342(c)requiresthatallnoticesrequiredtobegivenbythedebtortoacreditor
under the Code, a rule, an applicable law, or an order of court contain the debtor’s name,
addressandthelastfourdigitsofthetaxpayeridentificationnumber(usuallyaSocialSecurity
Number).OfficialForm16Areflectsthisrequirement.Ifthenoticeconcernsanamendment
that adds a creditor to the schedules, the notice must provide the debtor’s complete Social
SecurityNumberononlytheaddedcreditor’scopyofanynoticeorsummonsthedebtormay
serve on the creditor. Official Form 16B is available for captions of pleadings which do not
fall within the 11 U.S.C. § 342(c) requirement. Official Form 16D is designated for
complaints filed by persons other than the debtor, though it should be used by debtors in
adversary proceedings as Official Form 16C is now abrogated. When used in this manner,
OfficialForm16Dshouldbealteredtoincludethedebtor’saddressandlastfourdigitsofthe
debtor’s Social Security Number (and the debtor’s complete Social Security Number on the
creditor’s copy). Please see Appendix D, supra, to review the Official Form captions. For
forms in this Appendix containing captions, please use the necessary revised caption.
Whensection342(c)appliestoanoticesentbyletter,therequiredinformationshouldbe
includedintheletter.ManyofthenoticescontainedinthisAppendixarenotrequiredbylaw
so11U.S.C.§342(c)doesnotapply.However,somelawyers,inanexcessofcaution,may
wish to include the debtor’s address and Social Security Number in all notices to be certain
of compliance.
Section 342(e) allows a creditor to file with the court and serve on the debtor an address
whichitwantsusedfornoticesinaparticularchapter7or13case.Anynoticeprovidedbythe
debtormorethanfivedaysaftersucharequestisservedmustbesenttotherequestedaddress.
IMPORTANT NOTE CONCERNING SERVICE OF PROCESS ON
INSURED DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS
By amendment to Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 7004, contested matters and
adversaryproceedingwhichmustbeservedoninsureddepositoryinstitutionsmustbeserved
bycertifiedmailaddressedtoanofficeroftheinstitution.SeeFed.R.Bankr.P.7004(h).The
rule contains exceptions which apply in certain limited situations. See generally § 13.3.2.1,
supra.NotethatFederalRuleofBankruptcyProcedure9014makesthisserviceruleapplicable
to service of contested matters (that is, motions not otherwise governed by the Rules).
1
Appx. G.1 Consumer Bankruptcy Law and Practice
Pleadings and Other Forms Contained in This Appendix
G.2 Pre-Filing Forms
Form 1 Pre-Filing Notification to Creditors of Representation
Form 2 Notification to Creditor Seeking Information As to Account
Form 3 Letter to Client Requesting More Information
Form 4 Initial Consultation Agreement and Acknowledgment of Receipt of Disclosures
Form 5 Notice Required by 11 U.S.C. §§ 342(b) and 527(a)
Form 6 Notice Required by 11 U.S.C. § 527(b)
G.3 Initial Forms
Form7 Debtor’s Certification in Support of Temporary Waiver of Credit Counseling Re-
quirement Based on Exigent Circumstances
Form8 MotionforExemptionfromCreditCounselingandFinancialEducationRequirement
Based on Incapacity, Disability, or Active Military Duty
Form9 Motion and Order for Extension of Time to File Schedules and Other Required
Documents
Form10 Motion and Order for Extension of Time to File Chapter 13 Schedules and Other
Required Documents
Form11 Motion and Order for Additional Time to File Chapter 13 Schedules, Other
Documents and Information Required Under 11 U.S.C. § 521(a)(1)
Form 12 Motion to Excuse Filing of Lost or Unavailable Payment Advices
Form 13 Statement Regarding Payment Advices
Form 14 Letter Advising Trustee of Special Circumstances
Form15 Debtor’sStatementofSpecialCircumstancestoRebutPresumptionofAbuseUnder
11 U.S.C. § 707(b)(2)
Form 16 Motion to Keep Prior Name Confidential
Form 17 Application and Order for Waiver of Miscellaneous Fees
Form 18 Debtors’ Chapter 13 Plan
Form 19 Order Confirming Chapter 13 Plan
Form 20 Motion for Payover Order in Chapter 13
Form 21 Order to Pay Wages to the Trustee in Chapter 13
Form 22 Chapter 13 Plan Providing for Liquidation of Debtor’s Interest in Residence
Form23 Chapter13PlanProvidingforFilingofAdversaryProceedingInvolvingPredatory
Mortgage Lending Claims
Form 24 Chapter 13 Plan Assuming Residential Lease
Form 25 Chapter 13 Debtor’s Motion to Assume Lease
Form26 Chapter13BankruptcyInformationSheetandChecklistfromDebtor’sAttorneyto
Debtor
Form 27 Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Information Sheet and Checklist from Attorney to Debtor
Form 28 Debtor’s First Amended Chapter 13 Plan
Form 29 Debtor’s Amendment of Schedules
Form30 Application and Order for Waiver of Filing Fee to Amend Debtor’s Schedule of
Creditors
Form 31 Statement by Debtor’s Attorney of Fees Charged
Form 32 Application for Counsel Fees
G.4 Automatic Stay
Form 33 Letter to Creditors Giving Notice of Stay
Form34 Complaint Seeking Damages for Violation of Automatic Stay and Unfair Trade
Practices
2
Sample Bankruptcy Pleadings and Other Forms Appx. G.1
Form35 Motion Seeking Relief for Violations of the Automatic Stay by Governmental
Agency
Form 36 Motion for Expedited Hearing on Contempt Motion
Form 37 Complaint Seeking Contempt Remedies and Recovery of Property from IRS
Form 38 Answer to Motion for Relief from Automatic Stay
Form39 Motion for Sanctions Pursuant to Rule 9011 for Baseless Motion for Relief from
Automatic Stay
Form 40 Answer to Motion of Landlord for Relief from Automatic Stay
Form41 Debtor’s Certification in Support of Extension of Automatic Stay As to Pending
Eviction Action
Form42 AnswertoMotionforRelieffromAutomaticStayRaisingAvoidabilityofTransfer
to Plaintiff
Form 43 Debtor’s Answer to Motion for Relief from Codebtor Stay
Form 44 Debtor’s Objection to Relief from the Codebtor Stay
Form 45 Answer to Application for Abandonment of Real Estate
Form46 Motion for Continuation of Automatic Stay in Case Filed Within One Year After
Dismissal of Prior Bankruptcy Case
Form47 Motion to Invoke Automatic Stay in Case Filed Within One Year After Dismissal
of Two Prior Bankruptcy Cases
Form 48 Motion for Relief from In Rem Order Entered in Prior Case
Form 49 Motion to Reimpose Stay After Relief from Stay Has Been Granted
G.5 Turnover of Property
Form 50 Letter Demanding Turnover of Property
Form 51 Complaint Seeking Turnover of Property
Form52 MotionforEnforcementofTurnoverOrderandtoHoldDefendantinContemptof
Court
G.6 Utilities
Form53 Letter to Utility Company Giving Notice of Stay and Requirements of 11 U.S.C.
§ 366
Form54 LettertoUtilityCompanyGivingNoticeofConversionfromChapter13toChapter7
Form55 Complaint to Enjoin Termination of Utility Service for Nonpayment of Deposit by
Debtor Current on Her Utility Payments
Form 56 Complaint Seeking Reconnection of Utility Service and Damages
Form 57 Motion for Modification of Security Deposit for Utility Service
G.7 Steps After Filing
Form 58 Letter Advising Belatedly-Added Creditor of Meeting of Creditors
Form59 StatementExplainingDebtor’sFailuretoProvideTaxReturntoTrusteeorCreditors
Form60 StatementThatDocumentsRequiredtoBeBroughttoMeetingofCreditorsDoNot
Exist or Are Not In Debtor’s Possession
Form 61 Chapter 7 Section 341(a) Meeting Questions
Form 62 Section 341(a) Questions from United States Trustee Chapter 7 Handbook
Form 63 Statement of Information Required by 11 U.S.C. § 341
Form 64 Chapter 13 Section 341(a) Meeting Questions
Form 65 Section 341(a) Questions from United States Trustee Chapter 13 Handbook
Form66 Debtor’s Motion to Excuse Appearance and to Conduct Meeting of Creditors by
Interrogatories
Form 67 Interrogatories to Debtor in Lieu of Attendance at Meeting of Creditors
Form 68 Report of Trustee
3
Appx. G.1 Consumer Bankruptcy Law and Practice
G.8 Claims
Form 69 Priority Proof of Claim by Debtor
Form 70 Proof of Secured Claim by Debtor
Form 71 Proof of Unsecured Claim by Debtor
Form 72 Motion to Sell Property Free and Clear of Liens
Form 73 Debtor’s Motion to Redeem Property Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 722
Form 74 Agreement for Redemption of Property
Form 75 Objection to Proof of Claim
Form 76 Objection to Undocumented Credit Card Claim
Form 77 Order Disallowing Undocumented Claim
Form78 Objection Seeking Reduction of Claim Amount Based on Creditor’s Refusal to
Negotiate Repayment Plan
Form 79 Objection to Frivolous Priority Claim and Request for Sanctions
Form80 Complaint Objecting to Secured Claims for Failure to Comply with Truth in
Lending Act and HUD Mortgage Servicing Requirements
Form81 Complaint Objecting to Secured Claim and Seeking to Enforce Truth in Lending
Rescission
Form82 AlternativeComplaintObjectingtoSecuredClaimontheBasisofTruthinLending
Rescission
Form 83 Judgment Order Disallowing Secured Claim
Form84 Complaint Objecting to Secured Claim on the Basis of Usury and Warranty
Defenses
Form85 Complaint or Motion to Determine Value of Security and Creditor’s Allowed
Secured Claim
Form 86 Qualified Written Request Under RESPA to Obtain Mortgage Loan Information
Form 87 Motion for Order Directing Claimant to Appear for Rule 2004 Examination
Form 88 Order Directing Claimant to Appear for Rule 2004 Examination
Form89 ComplaintObjectingtoMortgageServicer’sClaimBasedonRESPAandFDCPA
Violations
Form 90 Request for Approval of Postpetition Consumer Debt
G.9 Exemptions and Lien Avoidance
Form 91 Motion to Avoid Judicial Lien on Residential Real Estate
Form 92 Order Avoiding Lien on Residential Real Estate
Form 93 Motion to Avoid Non-Possessory, Non-Purchase Money Security Interest
Form 94 Order Avoiding Non-Possessory, Non-Purchase Money Security Interest
Form 95 Complaint to Set Aside Preference
Form96 Complaint to Set Aside Preference and/or Setoff by Governmental Agency Re-
couping Overpayments of Benefits
Form97 Complaint to Set Aside Foreclosure Sale for Less Than Reasonably Equivalent
Value and to Remedy Mortgagee’s Contempt
G.10 Litigation
Form 98 Motion for Leave to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
Form 99 In Forma Pauperis Order
Form100 Complaint: Class Action Adversary Proceeding Raising Claims Under Stay,
Discharge, and Exemption Provisions As Well As 42 U.S.C. § 1983
Form101 Complaint to Prohibit Eviction from Public Housing Based upon Dischargeable
Debt for Rent
Form 102 Complaint Seeking Review of Administrative Action
4
Sample Bankruptcy Pleadings and Other Forms Appx. G.1
Form 103 Complaint Seeking Restoration of Driver’s License
Form104 Complaint Seeking Damages in Non-Core Adversary Proceeding Against a
Non-Creditor for Unfair Debt Collection Practices
Form 105 Motion for Abandonment of Property by Trustee
Form 106 Debtor’s Motion for Expedited Discovery
Form 107 Plaintiff’s Request for Documents
Form 108 Defendant’s Request for Admissions
Form 109 Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus
Form 110 Application for Default Judgment
Form 111 Order for Default Judgment
Form 112 Request for Default Judgment by Clerk
Form 113 Default Judgment by Clerk
Form 114 Notice of Removal
Form 115 Plaintiff’s Motion for Withdrawal of Proceeding to the District Court
Form 116 Motion for Determination That Proceeding Is a Core Proceeding
Form 117 Stipulation That Matter May Be Determined by Bankruptcy Court
Form 118 Plaintiff’s Objections to Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
Form 119 Motion for Leave to Appeal Interlocutory Order
Form 120 Motion for Stay of Order Pending Appeal
Form 121 Stipulation for Appeal to Bankruptcy Appellate Panel
Form 122 Appellant’s Election Form
G.11 Discharge and Reaffirmation
Form 123 Complaint to Determine Dischargeability of Student Loan
Form 124 Debtor’s Answer to Complaint Seeking Determination of Nondischargeability
Form 125 Interrogatories Directed to Lender Regarding Debtor’s Alleged False Financial
Statement(s)
Form126 Defendant’s Requests for Production of Documents in Dischargeability Case
Based on Credit Card Fraud
Form127 Defendant’sInterrogatoriesinDischargeabilityCaseBasedonCreditCardFraud
Form128 Defendant’s Requests for Admissions in Dischargeability Case Based on Credit
Card Fraud
Form129 Debtor’sCertificationRegardingDomesticSupportObligationsBeforeReceiving
Discharge
Form 130 Debtor’s Application for a Hardship Discharge
Form 131 Letter to Creditor Concerning Proposed Reaffirmation Agreement
Form 132 Letter to Client After Discharge
Form133 Complaint to Recover SSI Benefits Collected by State As Reimbursement for
Prebankruptcy Welfare Debt
Form134 Complaint Seeking Contempt Remedies for Violation of the Automatic Stay and
Discharge Injunction
Form 135 Complaint to Enjoin Discriminatory Denial of Guaranteed Student Loan
Form136 Motion for Preliminary Relief in Complaint to Enjoin Discriminatory Denial of
Guaranteed Student Loan
Form137 Proposed Order for Preliminary Relief in Complaint to Enjoin Discriminatory
Denial of Guaranteed Student Loan
Form138 Class Action Complaint Seeking Remedies for Coercive Collection Practices In-
volving Discharged Debt
Form 139 Motion for Order Declaring Mortgage Loan Current
Form 140 Order Declaring Mortgage Loan Current
Form 141 Complaint Challenging Misapplication of Mortgage Payments in Chapter 13 Case
5
Appx. G.2 Consumer Bankruptcy Law and Practice
G.12 Conversion, Dismissal, and Modification of Plan After
Confirmation
Form 142 Motion to Modify Plan After Confirmation
Form 143 Motion to Modify Plan to Terminate Plan
Form 144 Motion to Modify Plan to Surrender Vehicle
Form 145 Motion to Modify Plan to Permit Mortgage Refinancing to Pay Off Plan
Form 146 Debtor’s Amended Plan Permitting Mortgage Refinancing to Pay Off Plan
Form 147 Debtor’s Notice to Convert Case from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7
Form148 SupplementalScheduleofDebtsArisingAfterFilingofthePetition,ButPriorto
Conversion to Chapter 7
Form 149 Debtor’s Motion to Convert Chapter 7 Case to Chapter 13
Form 150 Debtor’s Motion to Dismiss Chapter 13 Case
Form 151 Debtor’s Motion to Dismiss Chapter 7 Case
Form 152 Debtor’s Motion to Reopen Case
Form 153 Debtor’s Motion to Reopen Case to Obtain Discharge
G.13 Consumers As Creditors
Form 154 Motion for Relief from Stay by Tenant to Raise Counterclaims to Eviction
Form 155 In Forma Pauperis Petition and Memorandum of Law in Support
Form 156 Complaint to Determine Dischargeability of Tenant’s Claims Against Landlord
Form 157 Motion for Appointment of Committee of Tenants
Form 158 Expedited Motion for Appointment of Committee of Consumer Creditors
Form 159 Statement of Attorney Pursuant to Rule 2019
Form 160 Objection to Chapter 11 Disclosure Statement
Form 161 Objection to Confirmation of Chapter 11 Plan
Form 162 Complaint Seeking Subordination of Secured Creditor’s Claims
G.2 Pre-Filing Forms Form 2 Notification to Creditor Seeking
Information As to Account2
Form 1 Pre-Filing Notification to Creditors of Re:[debtor(s)]
Representation1
DearSir/Madam:
Re:[debtor(s)] Pleasebeadvisedthatthisofficerepresentstheabove-captioned
DearSir/Madam: individual(s)withrespectto[his,her,their]allegeddebtto[credi-
tor].Wearepresentlypreparingabankruptcypetitionwhichwill
Pleasebeadvisedthatthisofficerepresentstheabove-captioned shortlybefiled.
individual(s)withrespectto[his,her,their]allegeddebtto[credi- EnclosedpleasefindanInformationReleaseAuthorizationfor
tor].Wearepresentlypreparingabankruptcypetitionwhichwill theabove-captionedindividual(s).Asweareinterestedinhaving
shortlybefiled. themostcurrentandaccurateinformationpossible,pleaseforward
We are requesting that all further communications concerning theinformationlistedintheauthorizationassoonaspossible.Itis
thismatterbedirectedtous.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsconcerning especially important that we know if there is any security or
the above, please feel free to call me. Thank you for your coop-
erationinthismatter. 2 Thisletterrequestsinformationforcasesinwhichtheschedules
orstatementcannotbecompletedbecausethedebtor’srecords
Verytrulyyours,
areincomplete.Aninformationreleaseauthorization,signedby
[signature] thedebtor,maynotbenecessary,dependingonlocalpractices.
However, to save the necessity of another letter, it should be
1 Thislettershouldbesenttoanycreditorswhohavebeenboth- included if there is some doubt as to whether the creditor or
eringtheclient,ifnottoallcreditors.Itshouldsucceedinending bankwillreleaseinformationwithoutit.Ifitisnotincluded,the
creditorcontactswiththeclient.Ifacreditorcommunicateswith information requested should be specified in the letter itself.
thedebtorafterreceiptofthisletter,anunfairtradepracticeclaim Creditors,ofcourse,donotalwayscooperateinfurnishingthis
mayarise(whichcouldbeclaimedasexemptifitarisesbefore information. Additionally some care should be taken because
the petition is filed). If a collection agency is involved, the certaincreditors,whentheyknowbankruptcyisimminent,will
communication may give rise to damages under the Fair Debt hasten actions (often creating preferences, see § 10.4.2.6.4,
CollectionPracticesAct,15U.S.C.§§1692–1692o. supra),whichwouldviolatetheautomaticstayafterthefiling.
6
Sample Bankruptcy Pleadings and Other Forms Appx. G.2
judgment for the debt owed to you, so that we may know which YourHouseholdIncomeandExpenses
debtswillhavetobepaidafterbankruptcy.Ifwedonothearfrom
[ ] Paycheckstubsforthelastsixty(60)days,from[date]until
you,wemayhavetoassumetherewasnosecurityforthisdebt.
[date].
We are requesting that all further communications concerning
[ ] Documents that show your rental income for the past six
thismatterbedirectedtous.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsconcerning
months.
the above, please feel free to call me. Thank you for your coop-
[ ] Documents that show the amount that someone else regu-
erationinthismatter.
larlycontributestoyourhouseholdexpenses.
Verytrulyyours,
[ ] Documentsthatshowtheamountofyourspouse’sincome
[signature] thatispaidforhisorherseparateexpensesandnotregularly
paid towards your household expenses (such as child sup-
InformationReleaseAuthorization port payments your spouse makes to a former spouse or
paymentsyourspousemakesonseparatedebts).
To:[creditor—bank]
[ ] Copyofyourautoloanorpaymentcouponshowingwhen
Thiswillauthorizeyoutodeliverto afull thelastpaymentisdue.
statementwithrespecttothefollowingfactsconcerning: [ ] Copiesofyourtaxreturnsforthepast[number]years.
[debtor]
[address] YourHome,AutoandOtherProperty
Account No.[number]
[ ] Copiesofanyappraisalsofyourhome.
whoisadebtor/depositorofyours. [ ] Copyoftherecenttaxassessmentofyourhome.
[ ] Copyofthedeedforthepropertylocatedat[address].
Depositor:
[ ] Copy of the loan and other closing documents for your
Totalamountofdepositandaccruedinterest.
mortgagewith[lender].
Debtor: [ ] Any payment and escrow account statements you have
1. Totalamountborrowed; received from your mortgage company during the past
2. Installmentamount; [number]months.
3. Reasonowed; [ ] Copy of your auto insurance policy or a summary of the
4. Security interest (provide description of collateral and, if policy (certificate of insurance) showing that you have
recorded,statewhereandwhen); coverage.
5. Amountsandnumberofinstallmentsinarrears; [ ] Copy of your home insurance policy or a summary of the
6. Presentbalance; policy (certificate of insurance) showing that you have
7. Interestorothercosts; coverage.
8. Anyassignmentofdebtandtowhom; [ ] Copy of a recent statement for your individual retirement
9. Legalactionpendingandattorneyinvolved; account(IRA),401K,orotherpensionplan.
10. Copiesoftheoriginalcontractandallpapersrelevanttothe [ ] CopyofarecentstatementforyoureducationIRAortuition
transactionortransactions; creditprogram.
11. Datedebtincurred;and [ ] Copyofarecentstatementforyourmedicalsavingsplan.
12. Codebtorsorcosigners.
CourtProceedings
Thankyouforyourcooperationinthisrequest.
[ ] Copiesofanyfamilycourtordersrequiringyoutopaychild
[signature]
supportoralimony.
Debtor
[ ] Documentsthatshowyouarecurrentonyourchildsupport
and/oralimonypayments.
[ ] Copies of any family court orders showing that you are
Form 3 Letter to Client Requesting More
entitledtoreceivechildsupportoralimony.
Information3
[ ] Copy of the eviction complaint filed against you by your
landlord.
Re:BankruptcyNo.[number]
[ ] Copyofthecourtcomplaintinthelawsuityoufiledagainst
Dear[name]: [defendant(s)].
Thank you for completing your bankruptcy questionnaire and If you have any questions concerning these requests, please
providingmostoftheinformationwerequested.However,wewill contactthisoffice.Assoonasthisinformationisprovidedwewill
needsomeadditionalinformationinordertocompleteyourbank- completeyourbankruptcypapersandscheduleanappointmentfor
ruptcy papers. Please provide information and documents for the youtosignthem.
itemscheckedbelow: [signature]
Attorney
3 This letter may be sent to clients if additional information is
needed to complete their bankruptcy schedules and other re-
quired documents. It would typically be sent after the clients
havefilledoutthequestionnaireinAppendixF,supra.
7
Appx. G.2 Consumer Bankruptcy Law and Practice
Form 4 Initial Consultation Agreement and Ack- Form 5 Notice Required by 11 U.S.C. §§ 342(b)
nowledgment of Receipt of Disclosures and 527(a)4
This agreement is entered into on this [date] day of [month],
NoticetoIndividualConsumerDebtorUnderSection342(b)
2006, by and between [name of prospective client] and [name of
and527(a)oftheBankruptcyCode
spouse, if prospective co-client], and the [name of law firm or
attorney](referredtoasthe‘‘Attorney’’). Inaccordancewithsection342(b)oftheBankruptcyCode,this
1. I (We) have requested a consultation with the Attorney to notice: (1) Describes briefly the services available from credit
obtain information and advice about debt issues and relief from counseling services; (2) Describes briefly the purposes, benefits
debt, including the possibility of filing bankruptcy under the and costs of the four types of bankruptcy proceedings you may
federalBankruptcyCode.TheAttorneyagreestoprovideaninitial commence; and (3) Informs you about bankruptcy crimes and
consultationconcerningthesematters.Thereisnochargeforthis notifiesyouthattheAttorneyGeneralmayexamineallinformation
initialconsultation. you supply in connection with a bankruptcy case. You are cau-
2.TheAttorneyagreestoprovidethefollowingservicesatthe tionedthatbankruptcylawiscomplicatedandnoteasilydescribed.
initialconsultation,basedontheinformationI(we)haveprovided: Thus,youmaywishtoseektheadviceofanattorneytolearnof
(a) Analyze my (our) financial circumstances and advise me yourrightsandresponsibilitiesshouldyoudecidetofileapetition.
(us)ofpossiblebankruptcyandnon-bankruptcyoptionsfor Courtemployeescannotgiveyoulegaladvice.
responding to my (our) financial problems. I (We) under-
1.ServicesAvailablefromCreditCounselingAgencies
stand that this analysis is only preliminary, because the
Attorney does not have all of the information and docu- With limited exceptions, section 109(h) of the Bankruptcy
ments that will be required to fully evaluate my (our) Code requires that all individual debtors who file for bank-
situation. ruptcyreliefonorafterOctober17,2005,receiveabriefingthat
(b) Describe the potential benefits and the disadvantages of outlines the available opportunities for credit counseling and
filing bankruptcy, and explain the relief available under providesassistanceinperformingabudgetanalysis.Thebriefing
chapters7,11,12and13oftheBankruptcyCode. must be given within 180 days before the bankruptcy filing. The
(c) Advise me (us) of the requirements, obligations and costs briefing may be provided individually or in a group (including
forfilingachapter7or13bankruptcy. briefings conducted by telephone or on the Internet) and must be
(d) Informme(us)oftheadditionalinformationthatI(we)will provided by a nonprofit budget and credit counseling agency ap-
needtoprovidetoenabletheAttorneytomorefullyadvise provedbytheUnitedStatestrusteeorbankruptcyadministrator.The
me(us)ofmy(our)potentialoptionsandlegalrights. clerkofthebankruptcycourthasalistthatyoumayconsultofthe
3.I(We)agreetoprovideattheinitialconsultationinformation approvedbudgetandcreditcounselingagencies.
and documents, if any, concerning my (our) income, expenses, In addition, after filing a bankruptcy case, an individual
assets, and liabilities. I (We) understand that in order for the debtor generally must complete a financial management in-
Attorneytogivemeaningfuladvice,detailedfinancialinformation structionalcoursebeforeheorshecanreceiveadischarge.The
mustbeprovidedcompletelyandaccurately. clerkalsohasalistofapprovedfinancialmanagementinstructional
4. The Attorney will provide at this time only the services courses.
specificallystatedinthisAgreement.IfI(we)retaintheAttorney
torepresentme(us)andprovideadditionalservices,includingthe
filingofbankruptcyorotherbankruptcyassistance,I(we)andthe 4 Section342(b)requirestheclerktogiveeachconsumerdebtor,
Attorney will sign a separate retainer agreement detailing the priortothefilingofthepetition,anoticedescribingeachchapter
servicesandtheircost,andtheothertermsofsuchrepresentation. underwhichsuchindividualmayproceed,theservicesofcredit
5.I(We)acknowledgethattheAttorneygavetome(us)atthe counseling agencies, and the possible consequences of bank-
initial consultation copies of this agreement and several notices ruptcy fraud. In addition, section 521(a)(1)(B)(iii) requires the
requiredbytheBankruptcyCodelistedbelow.Ifmyspousewas debtor’sattorneytofileacertificationthattheattorneydelivered
thenoticetothedebtor.ThiscertificationispartofExhibitBin
notpresentwhenthesenoticeswerereceivedattheinitialconsul-
OfficialForm1,thebankruptcypetition.Baseduponthesepro-
tation,Ialsoacknowledgereceiptofthesenoticesonbehalfofmy
visions,thedebtor’sattorneyshoulddeliverthesection342(b)
spouse, and agree to provide my spouse with a copy of these
notice,whichisreprintedinAppendixE,supra,tothedebtorand
notices.Allofthefollowingdocumentsweregivenme(us):
signthecertificationtocomplywithsection521(a)(1)(B)(iii).If
(a) InitialConsultationAgreement thedebtor’sattorneyisnotadebtreliefagency,forexampleifthe
(b) Notice Required by Sections 342(b) and 527(a) of the attorneyworksforalegalservicesorganization,onlythisnotice
BankruptcyCode needstobeprovidedtothedebtor.However,section527setsout
(c) NoticeRequiredbySection527(b)oftheBankruptcyCode aseriesofnoticesanddisclosuresthatdebtreliefagenciesmust
make to all assisted persons being provided bankruptcy assis-
Date: tance.Thisformcontainsthewrittennoticerequiredbysection
527(a)(1) and (a)(2) and is combined with the section 342(b)
[signature] [signature]
noticesothattheymaybegivenatthesametime.Theseitems
[nameofprospectiveclient] [nameoflawfirmorattorney]
mustbeprovidedwithinthreedaysofwhentheagencyfirstoffers
[signature] toprovidebankruptcyassistanceservicestoanassistedperson.If
[nameofspouse,ifprospective thenoticeisnotprovidedatthetimetheclientsignsaninitial
consultationagreement,seeForm4,Appx.G.2,supra,andwith
co-client]
acopyattachedthereto,theattorneyshouldincludethecertificate
ofreceiptandhavetheclientsignit.
8
Sample Bankruptcy Pleadings and Other Forms Appx. G.2
2. The Four Chapters of the Bankruptcy Code Available to Chapter11isdesignedforthereorganizationofabusinessbut
IndividualConsumerDebtors is also available to consumer debtors. Its provisions are quite
complicated,andanydecisionbyanindividualtofileachapter11
Chapter7:Liquidation($245filingfee,$39administrativefee,
petitionshouldbereviewedwithanattorney.
$15trusteesurcharge:Totalfee$299)
Chapter12:FamilyFarmerorFisherman($200filingfee,$39
1.Chapter7isdesignedfordebtorsinfinancialdifficultywho
administrativefee:Totalfee$239)
donothavetheabilitytopaytheirexistingdebts.Debtorswhose
debtsareprimarilyconsumerdebtsaresubjecttoa‘‘meanstest’’ Chapter12isdesignedtopermitfamilyfarmersandfishermen
designed to determine whether the case should be permitted to torepaytheirdebtsoveraperiodoftimefromfutureearningsand
proceedunderchapter7.Ifyourincomeisgreaterthanthemedian issimilartochapter13.Theeligibilityrequirementsarerestrictive,
incomeforyourstateofresidenceandfamilysize,insomecases, limiting its use to those whose income arises primarily from a
creditors have the right to file a motion requesting that the court family-ownedfarmorcommercialfishingoperation.
dismissyourcaseundersection707(b)oftheCode.Itisuptothe
3.BankruptcyCrimesandAvailabilityofBankruptcyPapers
courttodecidewhetherthecaseshouldbedismissed.
toLawEnforcementOfficials
2.Underchapter7,youmayclaimcertainofyourpropertyas
exemptundergoverninglaw.Atrusteemayhavetherighttotake A person who knowingly and fraudulently conceals assets or
possession of and sell the remaining property that is not exempt makes a false oath or statement under penalty of perjury, either
andusethesaleproceedstopayyourcreditors. orallyorinwriting,inconnectionwithabankruptcycaseissubject
3.Thepurposeoffilingachapter7caseistoobtainadischarge to a fine, imprisonment, or both. All information supplied by a
of your existing debts. If, however, you are found to have com- debtor in connection with a bankruptcy case is subject to exami-
mitted certain kinds of improper conduct described in the Bank- nation by the Attorney General acting through the Office of the
ruptcyCode,thecourtmaydenyyourdischargeand,ifitdoes,the UnitedStatesTrustee,theOfficeoftheUnitedStatesAttorney,and
purpose for which you filed the bankruptcy petition will be de- othercomponentsandemployeesoftheDepartmentofJustice.
feated.
WARNING: Section 521(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code requires
4.Evenifyoureceiveageneraldischarge,someparticulardebts
that you promptly file detailed information regarding your credi-
are not discharged under the law. Therefore, you may still be
tors, assets, liabilities, income, expenses and general financial
responsibleformosttaxesandstudentloans;debtsincurredtopay
condition. Your bankruptcy case may be dismissed if this infor-
nondischargeabletaxes;domesticsupportandpropertysettlement
mationisnotfiledwiththecourtwithinthetimedeadlinessetby
obligations;mostfines,penalties,forfeitures,andcriminalrestitu-
theBankruptcyCode,theBankruptcyRules,andthelocalrulesof
tionobligations;certaindebtswhicharenotproperlylistedinyour
thecourt.
bankruptcypapers;anddebtsfordeathorpersonalinjurycausedby
operatingamotorvehicle,vessel,oraircraftwhileintoxicatedfrom Inaccordancewithsection527(a)(2)oftheBankruptcyCode,
alcoholordrugs.Also,ifacreditorcanprovethatadebtarosefrom beadvisedthat:
fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, or theft, or from a willful and
1.Allinformationyouarerequiredtoprovidewithabankruptcy
maliciousinjury,thebankruptcycourtmaydeterminethatthedebt
petitionandduringabankruptcycasemustbecomplete,accurate,
isnotdischarged.
andtruthful.
Chapter 13: Repayment of All or Part of the Debts of an 2.Allassetsandallliabilitiesmustbecompletelyandaccurately
IndividualwithRegularIncome($235filingfee,$39adminis- disclosedinthedocumentsfiledinyourcase,andthereplacement
trativefee:Totalfee$274) value of each asset must be stated in those documents where
requestedafterreasonableinquirytoestablishsuchvalue.
1. Chapter 13 is designed for individuals with regular income
3.Currentmonthlyincome,theamountsspecifiedinthemeans
whowouldliketopayallorpartoftheirdebtsininstallmentsover
testundersection707(b)(2),anddisposableincomeinchapter13
aperiodoftime.Youareonlyeligibleforchapter13ifyourdebts
casesmustbestatedafterreasonableinquiry.
do not exceed certain dollar amounts set forth in the Bankruptcy
4. Information that you provide during your bankruptcy case
Code.
may be audited, and the failure to provide such information may
2.Underchapter13,youmustfilewiththecourtaplantorepay
result in dismissal of the case or other sanction, including a
your creditors all or part of the money that you owe them, using
criminalsanction.
yourfutureearnings.Theperiodallowedbythecourttorepayyour
debts may be three years or five years, depending upon your
CertificateoftheDebtor
incomeandotherfactors.Thecourtmustapproveyourplanbefore
itcantakeeffect. I(We),thedebtor(s),affirmthatI(we)havereceivedandread
3. After completing the payments under your plan, your debts thisnotice.
aregenerallydischargedexceptfordomesticsupportobligations;
Date:
moststudentloans;certaintaxes;mostcriminalfinesandrestitu-
CaseNo.(ifknown):
tionobligations;certaindebtswhicharenotproperlylistedinyour
bankruptcy papers; certain debts for acts that caused death or [signature]
personalinjury;andcertainlongtermsecuredobligations. PrintedName(s)ofDebtor(s)
Chapter11:Reorganization($1000filingfee,$39administra- [signature]
tivefee:Totalfee$1039) SignatureofJointDebtor(ifany)
9
Appx. G.3 Consumer Bankruptcy Law and Practice
Form 6 Notice Required by 11 U.S.C. § 527(b)5 CertificateoftheDebtor
I(We),thedebtor(s),affirmthatI(we)havereceivedandread
IMPORTANTINFORMATIONABOUTBANKRUPTCY
thisnotice.
ASSISTANCESERVICESFROMANATTORNEYOR
BANKRUPTCYPETITIONPREPARER Date:
CaseNo.(ifknown):
If you decide to seek bankruptcy relief, you can represent
yourself,youcanhireanattorneytorepresentyou,oryoucanget [signature]
helpinsomelocalitiesfromabankruptcypetitionpreparerwhois PrintedName(s)ofDebtor(s)
not an attorney. THE LAW REQUIRES AN ATTORNEY OR
[signature]
BANKRUPTCY PETITION PREPARER TO GIVE YOU A
SignatureofJointDebtor(ifany)
WRITTEN CONTRACT SPECIFYING WHAT THE ATTOR-
NEY OR BANKRUPTCY PETITION PREPARER WILL DO
FOR YOU AND HOW MUCH IT WILL COST. Ask to see the G.3 Initial Forms
contractbeforeyouhireanyone.
Thefollowinginformationhelpsyouunderstandwhatmustbe The Official Forms necessary to commence a case are repro-
doneinaroutinebankruptcycasetohelpyouevaluatehowmuch ducedinAppendixD,supra.TheseformsareincludedinAppen-
service you need. Although bankruptcy can be complex, many dixDassamplecompletedbankruptcyschedulesillustratinghow
casesareroutine. to prepare an initial filing. Other Official Forms are included in
Before filing a bankruptcy case, either you or your attorney blankformat.AlltheformsinAppendixD,supra,aswellasblank
should analyze your eligibility for different forms of debt relief versionsoftheformstoinstituteacasecanalsobeprintedfromthe
available under the Bankruptcy Code and which form of relief is CD-Romaccompanyingthismanualandusedinactualcases.The
most likely to be beneficial for you. Be sure you understand the bankruptcysoftwareincludedontheCD-Romaccompanyingthis
reliefyoucanobtainanditslimitations.Tofileabankruptcycase, manual can also be used to complete the initial forms in either
documentscalledaPetition,SchedulesandStatementofFinancial MicrosoftWordorCorelWordPerfect.
Affairs,aswellasinsomecasesaStatementofIntentionneedto Certain other non-Official Forms may also be necessary to
bepreparedcorrectlyandfiledwiththebankruptcycourt.Youwill commence a case, pursuant to the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy
have to pay a filing fee to the bankruptcy court. Once your case Procedure and the Bankruptcy Code. These include a list of
starts,youwillhavetoattendtherequiredfirstmeetingofcreditors creditors,codebtors,andpartiestoexecutorycontractsandunex-
whereyoumaybequestionedbyacourtofficialcalleda‘‘trustee’’ pired leases, with mailing addresses, required by Federal Rule of
andbycreditors. Bankruptcy Procedure 1007(a); a disclosure of compensation,
If you choose to file a chapter 7 case, you may be asked by a requiredbyFederalRuleofBankruptcyProcedure2016(b);anda
creditortoreaffirmadebt.Youmaywanthelpdecidingwhetherto noticetoconsumerdebtors,requiredby11U.S.C.§342(b).These
do so. A creditor is not permitted to coerce you into reaffirming non-Official Forms are contained in a reproducible format in
yourdebts. AppendixE,supra.
Ifyouchoosetofileachapter13caseinwhichyourepayyour In addition, check your local rules and local practice to deter-
creditorswhatyoucanaffordoverthreetofiveyears,youmayalso mineifthereareotherformsnecessarytofileattheoutsetofacase
want help with preparing your chapter 13 plan and with the inyourjurisdiction.
confirmation hearing on your plan which will be before a bank-
ruptcyjudge.
Form 7 Debtor’s Certification in Support of
IfyouselectanothertypeofreliefundertheBankruptcyCode
Temporary Waiver of Credit Counseling
otherthanchapter7orchapter13,youwillwanttofindoutwhat
shouldbedonefromsomeonefamiliarwiththattypeofrelief. Requirement Based on Exigent
Your bankruptcy case may also involve litigation. You are Circumstances6
generallypermittedtorepresentyourselfinlitigationinbankruptcy
court, but only attorneys, not bankruptcy petition preparers, can
[Caption:OffıcialForm16A]
giveyoulegaladvice.
Debtor’sCertificationinSupportofWaiverofCredit
CounselingRequirement
5 Thisformcontainsthewrittennoticerequiredbysection527(b) I/We,[debtor(s)],thedebtor(s)intheabove-styledcase,hereby
tobeprovided,totheextentapplicable,byadebtreliefagency declareunderpenaltyofperjurythat:
toanassistedperson.Itmustbeprovidedinasingledocument
separate from other documents and notices provided to the 6 Thisformmaynotbenecessaryifthecourtgrantsarequestfor
client.Thisformprovidesthenoticecopiedverbatimfromthe deferralofthecreditcounselingrequirementpursuanttosection
statute,eventhoughitincludesinformationthatmaybeincor- 109(h)(3)(A)basedonthestatementprovidedbythedebtoron
rect.Attorneysarepermittedundersection527(a)(2)toalterthe ExhibitDtothepetition,OfficialForm1.SeeAppx.D,supra.
languageaslongasthenoticeprovidedisonethatissubstan- However, for courts that require the filing of a motion, this
tiallysimilar.Ifthenoticeisnotprovidedatthetimetheclient certification may be attached as an exhibit in support of the
signsaninitialconsultationagreement,seeForm4,Appx.G.2, motion.Althoughsection109(h)(3)(A)referstothiscertifica-
supra, and with a copy attached thereto, the attorney should tionasrelatingtoa‘‘waiver’’or‘‘exemption’’fromtherequire-
includethecertificateofreceiptandhavetheclientsignit. ments of section 109(h)(1), the certification provides only a
10