Free Resources

Educational guides, printable checklists, and quick-reference tools you can use while preparing your information for bankruptcy forms.
Not legal advice.

Downloadable Tools

Documents You May Need — Checklist (PDF)
A simple printable list of common document categories people gather before filing Chapter 7. Helpful for staying organized from the start.
Chapter 7 Timeline — One Page Overview (PDF)
A clean visual timeline showing the major stages of a typical Chapter 7 case, from preparation to discharge.
Income Snapshot Worksheet (PDF)
A quick-fill worksheet for listing your monthly income sources in one place.
Monthly Expenses Overview (PDF)
A printable page to help you track recurring expenses and monthly spending categories.
Debts & Creditors Worksheet (PDF)
A structured list format for recording creditor names, account types, balances, and contact details.
Assets Overview Worksheet (PDF)
A simple tool for listing major assets and belongings by category to help stay organized during preparation.

Knowledge Base

What Is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
A straightforward explanation of how Chapter 7 works and what it's designed to accomplish.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File?
You’re not required to hire a lawyer—individuals can file Chapter 7 on their own if they choose.
DIY Chapter 7 (Filing On Your Own)
A brief explanation of filing Chapter 7 yourself by preparing and submitting all required forms without an attorney.
What Is the Automatic Stay?
A simple breakdown of the legal “pause button” that stops most collection activity the moment a bankruptcy case is filed.
What Happens at the 341 Meeting?
An overview of the trustee-led meeting where the filer answers questions under oath about their paperwork and financial situation.
What Does the Trustee Do?
A quick look at the trustee’s role in reviewing documents, conducting the 341 meeting, and checking for non-exempt assets.
Bankruptcy Estate Explained
A clear explanation of what property becomes part of the bankruptcy estate and how exemptions can protect some or all of it.
Secured vs Unsecured Debts
A simple definition of the difference between debts tied to collateral (like cars and homes) and debts without collateral (like credit cards).
Exemptions Overview
A general summary of how exemption laws protect certain property from liquidation in a Chapter 7 case.
Discharge vs Dismissal
A short explanation of the difference between wiping out eligible debts (discharge) and ending a case early without relief (dismissal).
What Creditors Can and Can’t Do
A high-level view of collection actions that must stop after filing and what creditors are still allowed to do under bankruptcy rules.
Reaffirmation Overview
A simple description of what reaffirmation agreements are and why some filers choose to keep certain debts outside the discharge.
Non-Exempt Property
A rundown of what types of property might be available for liquidation if not protected by exemptions.
Chapter 7 Timeline
A quick timeline showing the typical flow of a Chapter 7 case from filing to discharge.
Means Test Explained
A brief explanation of the income-based formula used to determine Chapter 7 eligibility in many consumer cases.
What Bankruptcy Does NOT Do
A concise reality check about the types of debts bankruptcy doesn’t eliminate and limits of what the process can accomplish.
Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13
A simple comparison of liquidation (Chapter 7) vs repayment plans (Chapter 13).
How Much Does Chapter 7 Cost?
A quick breakdown of the filing fee, required courses, and other typical costs involved in a Chapter 7 case.
What to Expect After Filing
An overview of the steps that follow filing, from the automatic stay to the trustee meeting and eventual discharge.
Credit Counseling & Financial Management Courses
A simple summary of the required pre-filing credit counseling and post-filing financial management courses.

Recent Blog Posts

January 11, 2026
 The Chapter 7 Means Test Explained
Chapter7Forms.com
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The Chapter 7 means test is one of the most important components of qualifying for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

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January 11, 2026
 A to Z of Bankruptcy: Glossary of Common Terms
Chapter7Forms.com
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This A-to-Z glossary provides clear, high-level explanations of the most important terms you’re likely to encounter.

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January 11, 2026
 Filing Chapter 7 Pro Se (DIY)
Chapter7Forms.com
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Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy pro se—meaning without an attorney—is entirely legal and increasingly common.

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