Legal Question in Bankruptcy in California

I am in the process of filing a chapter 7 bankruptcy in the California Northern District (San Jose).

I have all the federal forms I need, but I am very confused as to what district/court specific forms I need to file with the court.

My chapter 7 is as straight forward as it can get. No assets and no nothing. I am using the wildcard exemption also.

But I can't figure out which are the other forms I would need to submit to the court. There a bunch of forms on their web site, but there are too many.

I am in a situation where I am doing this bankruptcy on my own because I can't afford an attorney.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

--Thanks in advance


Asked on 5/09/11, 8:40 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
JAMES POWELL 909-890-0105 LAW OFFICE OF JAMES M. POWELL

My sincere advice is not to venture in this endeavor of filing your own bankruptcy. It is not about filling out a few forms, it requires knowledge and skill regardless of how straight forward your bankruptcy is. An average petition consists of 30-40 pages and you need to know the state exemptions and other ins and out of filing a dischargable bankruptcy. I would recommend you contact a Bankruptcy attorney or an experience bankruptcy preparer who is bonded.

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Answered on 5/09/11, 9:26 pm
Christine Holdeman Law office of Christine Holdeman

You can go to a library and get NOLO books on chapter 7 (or 13).

I would also STRONGLY suggest you not attempt a chapter 13 on your own.

There are also resources for free bankruptcy legal advice through "ProBono Project of San Jose".

Also if you can't figure out the forms then get a bankruptcy attorney to help you. It will be worth it in the long run.

The shortest bankruptcy I have ever seen was about 45 pages of court forms.

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Answered on 5/10/11, 10:14 am


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