Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Bankruptcy
How to File for Bankruptcy: A Step-by-Step Guide on the Bankruptcy Petition
Filing for bankruptcy can feel overwhelming, but this series of blog posts and videos breaks down each section of the official forms into clear, manageable steps. It serves as a clear, easy-to-understand, step-by-step guide to help you understand the bankruptcy petition with confidence. Through informative videos and detailed blog posts, you’ll gain practical insights, tips, and explanations to ensure you’re prepared every step of the way.
By Alexander Hernandez, J.D., Professor, and Author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge).
Updated on May 17, 2026.
Whether you’re just beginning the process or looking for answers to specific questions, this resource is here to support you on your journey toward financial relief and a fresh start. The blog posts and videos will help you whether you are filing bankruptcy without the assistance of a lawyer, a paralegal, or a legal studies student learning about bankruptcy.
- Voluntary Petition for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy. Official Bankruptcy Form 101
- Eviction Judgments- Initial Statement About an Eviction Judgment Against You (individuals) Official Form 101A and Statement About Payment of an Eviction Judgment Against You (individuals) Official Form 101 B.
- Application for Individuals to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments, Official Form 103A, and Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived, Official Form 103B.
- Declaration About an Individual Debtor’s Schedules. Official Form 106DEC.
- Official Form 106Sum, Summary of Your Assets and Liabilities and Certain Statistical Information
- Form Number: B 106A/BSchedule A/B: Property (individuals)
- Official Form B 106C: Schedule C: The Property You Claim as Exempt (individuals).
- Official Form B 106D: Schedule D: Creditors Who Hold Claims Secured By Property (individuals)
- Official Form B 106E/F Schedule E/F: Creditors Who Have Unsecured Claims (individuals)
- Official Form B 106G: Schedule G: Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases (individuals)
- Official Form B 106H: Schedule H: Your Codebtors (individuals)
- Official Form B 106I: Schedule I: Your Income (individuals)
- Official Form 106J- Schedule J: Your Expenses (individuals)
- Official Form 107: Statement of Financial Affairs for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy.
- Statement of Intention for Individuals Filing Under Chapter 7
- Your Statement About Your Social Security Numbers
Miscellaneous Forms
- Filing the Suggestion of Bankruptcy
- Official Form B 410: Filing the Proof of Claim
- Using Pacer.Gov.
- Bankruptcy Petition Preparer’s Notice, Declaration and Signature (Official Form 119)
- The Rule 2004 Examination: The Broadest Discovery Tool in Bankruptcy
Click here for the main YouTube Playlist link.
Additional Resources
- The Automatic Stay (11 U.S.C. § 362): A Legal Expert’s Guide
- 11 U.S.C. § 101(14A): The Domestic Support Obligation (DSO) Defined
- The Rule 2004 Examination: Discovery and Investigation of Financial Documents in Federal Bankruptcy Court
- Bankruptcy Alert: New Chapter 7 Means Test Income Limits Now in Effect (November 1, 2025 Update)
Professor Hernandez is an attorney specializing in consumer finance and debt relief. He is the author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge) and teaches law and finance courses in both English and Spanish at an international university.
Educational Resources
- For Institutions: Colleges and universities may request examination copies of my textbook directly from Routledge Publishing.
- For Students & Practitioners: Single print and digital copies are available via Amazon Books.
- Video Lectures: Stream comprehensive legal breakdowns and video explanations on the Bankruptcy.blog YouTube Channel.
Bankruptcy Court & Consumer Resources
Explore additional consumer guides and state-specific directories to navigate your legal options:
- A step-by-step master guide to completing and understanding the bankruptcy petition.
- Bankruptcy Court Directory: Full listings for the federal bankruptcy court system and trustee contact information.
- State Bankruptcy Exemptions: Review your state‑specific exemptions or compare them with the federal exemptions.
- 341 Meeting Procedures: Prepare for your court date with updated rules, expectations, and practical guidance.
Please note that the information on this site does not constitute legal advice and should be considered for informational purposes only.
Colleges and universities can purchase my bankruptcy law textbook directly from Routledge Publishing. Paralegals and students who are buying single copies can do so via Amazon Books. To access my YouTube channel, click this link. You can also listen to my podcast on Spotify.
You can find additional categories by clicking below or by using the search feature at the top of this page:
Please note that the information on this site does not constitute legal advice and should be considered for informational purposes only.
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