How to File for Chapter 7 in Connecticut
- 1). Contact the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut and request a list of U.S. Trustee-approved credit counselors. Select a counselor from the list and schedule an appointment for counseling. Complete the credit counseling program, and obtain a certificate of completion. The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 requires consumer debtors to obtain credit counseling from a counselor that has been approved by the U.S. Trustee within six months prior to filing a petition for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
- 2). Consult a qualified bankruptcy attorney. Individual debtors are allowed to file their own Chapter 7 bankruptcy petitions pro se -- without an attorney -- but the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut advises against it and warns that the bankruptcy process is complex and difficult to complete without an attorney. The court notes that the bankruptcy clerk's office cannot give legal advice. If you are unable to afford an attorney, you may qualify for pro bono representation.
- 3). Gather your financial information. Provide the court with a complete list of your creditors including amounts owed and the nature of the debt. Reveal all sources of income including the amount and frequency of payments and provide the court with a complete list of your property. Provide the court with a list of your monthly living expenses including costs for housing, transportation, food, utilities, health care, taxes, clothing and other necessities. Also provide proof of income and expenses such as recent income tax returns, bank statements, pay check stubs and receipts if needed.
- 4). File your Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition in the office that serves the county where you reside. If you live in Litchfield or Fairfield County, file in the Bridgeport office. If you live in Hartford, Tolland, Windham or New London County, file in the Hartford office. If you live in Middlesex or New Haven County, file in the New Haven office. Pay the filing fee when you file your petition. The filing fee for the Connecticut District was $299 as of October 1, 2008. Include all appropriate forms and schedules along with your certificate of credit counseling when you file your petition. Petitions that are incomplete or do not include the certificate of credit counseling may be dismissed.
- 5). Attend the meeting of creditors. You will be placed under oath. Your creditors and the court-appointed trustee may ask questions regarding your petition and your financial affairs. Answer these questions honestly and completely under penalties of perjury.
- 6). Complete a post-filing debtor education course after you have filed your Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition. This course is required before your Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be discharged. The debtor education course is not the same as the pre-file credit counseling program, nor can it be taken at the same time. Get a certificate of completion of the post-file debtor education course and provide it to the court. Your debts cannot be discharged without it.
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