You are here

Debtor FAQs

  • How long does the bankruptcy filing stay on my Credit Report and how can I get an Error Corrected?

    The Bankruptcy Court has no jurisdiction over credit bureaus and does not report directly to credit bureaus. Bankruptcy records are public information and credit bureaus search bankruptcy records and gather information from the public record.  The Fair Credit Reporting Act is the law that controls the credit bureaus. See the Federal Trade Commission website at http://www.ftc.gov for more information.

  • What is the Means Test?

    Section 707(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code applies a "means test" to determine whether an individual debtor's chapter 7 filing is presumed to be an abuse of the Bankruptcy Code requiring dismissal or conversion of the case. See "Means Testing Resources" under the Links drop-down menu on this website.

  • Where can I obtain Petition Forms?

    Petition forms can be obtained from an attorney or from the Federal Judiciary website at www.uscourts.gov.  Petition forms may also be found at office supply stores that sell legal forms.

    The Forms Library on this website offers limited forms.

    Please note that neither the Court, the Court's staff nor the Clerk's office can give you any type of legal advice or provide assistance in preparing the forms.  Contact an attorney or a legal aid foundation for assistance preparing the forms.