FORMS
The filing of a bankruptcy case requires a voluntary petition, the filing of schedules listing the debtor’s property and debts, a statement of financial affairs, a statement of “current monthly income” by all individual debtors with primarily consumer debts, and several other documents. These documents include a mailing list or “matrix” containing the names and addresses of the creditors and others who should receive notices from the court in the case. In addition, every individual debtor must submit a statement of the debtor’s full social security number and fill out local forms if applicable. A chapter 7 and chapter 13 checklist and forms packet are provided for your convenience. For additional bankruptcy information and forms, please visit: U.S. Courts.
The resources provided are in no way intended to advise you of your legal rights or responsibilities under the bankruptcy laws.
FILING FEES
In addition to the petition, lists, schedules, and statements, Bankruptcy Rule 1006(a) requires every petition to be accompanied by the filing fee required by law. Payment from debtors may be in the form of online payment, a cashier's check or money order made payable to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. For a full list of filing fees and amounts go to Filing Fees.
Personal checks, bill pay check, debit cards, and credit cards will not be accepted from individual debtors or debtors in possession.
Application to Pay Filing Fee in Installments *
The Court will allow individual debtors to pay the filing fee in installments. The final payment is due no later than 120 days after the filing of the bankruptcy petition. Failure to pay the full filing fee by the deadline can result in the case being dismissed
* PLEASE NOTE: You will be required to pay the full filing fee if you have unpaid filing fees in a prior bankruptcy case filed within eight years of a new bankruptcy petition.
Application to Waive Chapter 7 Filing Fee
An individual debtor who files under chapter 7 and meets certain eligibility requirements may apply for an Application for Waiver of Chapter 7 Filing Fee. By law, the judge may waive the fee only if your income is less than 150 percent of the official poverty line applicable to your family size and you are unable to pay the fee in installments.
See also:
Poverty Guidelines for Chapter 7 Fee Waiver
Bankruptcy Case Policy on Fee Waivers.
WHERE TO FILE
Where a debtor files depends on where the debtor resides or has its principal place of business or principal assets. The Western District of Washington Bankruptcy Court has two offices, one located in Seattle and the other one in Tacoma. Review the table below to identify the filing office for your bankruptcy case.
| Debtor Location | Place to File |
| Clallam, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom, |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court 700 Stewart Street, Ste 6301 Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: 206-370-5200 Directions |
| Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston, Wahkiakum, |
U.S. Bankruptcy Court 1717 Pacific Avenue, Ste 2100 Tacoma, WA 98402-3233 Phone: 253-882-3900 Directions |