Bankruptcy Checklists, Guides, and Downloadable Resources
Practical checklists for every stage of bankruptcy — documents to gather before filing, a pre-filing decision list, and a post-discharge recovery checklist, plus our free downloadable starter guide.
Get organized before you decide anything
Whether you're exploring alternatives, preparing to file, or rebuilding afterward, having the right documents and a clear checklist makes every next step faster and less stressful.
Document checklist for filing
Pay stubs & tax returns
Typically the last 6 months of pay stubs and 2 years of tax returns.
Full creditor list
Every loan, card, medical bill, and collection account — with balances and account numbers where possible.
Property list
Home, vehicle, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and anything of meaningful value.
Pre-filing decision checklist
1) List every debt and its balance. 2) Calculate your monthly income and essential expenses. 3) Note any assets you're worried about protecting. 4) Get a free credit counseling consultation. 5) Talk to a licensed attorney about your specific state's exemptions and which chapter may fit.
Post-discharge recovery checklist
1) Pull your credit reports and check for errors. 2) Build a simple monthly budget. 3) Start a small emergency fund. 4) Consider a secured card used lightly and paid in full. 5) Set a realistic 12-month financial goal.
Our free starter guide
Our downloadable Bankruptcy Starter Guide covers Chapter 7 vs. 13, the means test, a document checklist, and questions to ask an attorney — free, no email required.
Download the free starter guide
Chapter comparisons, the means test, a document checklist, and attorney questions — in one PDF.
Get the free guide →Build your own paper toolkit
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