Instructions for Debtors Filing Bankruptcy Without an Attorney

The Chapter 13 Trustee strongly encourages you to hire an attorney to assist you with your bankruptcy case. Nationwide, the success rate for individuals filing a Chapter 13 case without an attorney (pro se) is very low—generally between 2% and 5%.

If you choose to represent yourself, you are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws and court rules, including:

  • The United States Bankruptcy Code
  • The Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure
  • The Local Rules of Practice of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah

Failure to comply with these requirements may delay your case or result in dismissal. Many bankruptcy attorneys offer free initial consultations. If you retain an attorney for a Chapter 13 case, attorney's fees can often be paid through your Chapter 13 plan, which may result in little or no upfront cost. If you need a referral, you can use Licensed Lawyer, the Utah State Bar's free lawyer referral service, or search online for bankruptcy attorneys in your area. When choosing an attorney, be sure to read reviews and verify that they regularly practice bankruptcy law.

Submitting Documents to the Trustee

The Bankruptcy Code and Local Rules require you to provide certain documents to the Chapter 13 Trustee in addition to those which are required to be filed with the Bankruptcy Court when you file for bankruptcy.  Timely submission of all required documents helps avoid delays in the administration of your bankruptcy case.

Do not email documents to our office. All required documents must be uploaded through our secure BK Documents portal, which is designed to protect your confidential information.

To set up your BK Documents account, please go to: https://www.bkdocs.us/.

Documents Required Before the Meeting of Creditors (§ 341 Meeting)

Please upload the following documents no later than 7 Days prior to the Meeting of Creditors.

1.      Proof of identity (driver's license, state-issued identification card, passport, or permanent resident card). Click here for the full list of acceptable documents. 

2.      Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2).  Click here for the full list of acceptable documents. Copies you provide must be unredacted in order for the Trustee to verify your identity. 

3.      Documentation of all charitable contributions made during the 60 days before your bankruptcy filing

4.      County property tax assessments for all real property listed on Schedule A for the two most recent tax years

5.      Copies of your most recently filed federal and state income tax returns with all Social Security numbers redacted

6.      Evidence of your current post-petition income, such as your most recent pay stub or pay advice

7.      Statements for all checking, savings, brokerage, money market, mutual fund, and app-based financial accounts (including Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal) covering the one-month period that includes your bankruptcy filing date

Additional documents/information may be requested at your Meeting of Creditors.

Your initial payment is also due at the time of the § 341 Meeting. Please note that it can take up to 5 buisness days for a payment to post if made online. For more information about payments, please visit our "Payment" tab. 

Additional Requirements for Self-Employed Debtors or Business Owners

If you were self-employed or operated a business during the 60 days before filing your bankruptcy petition, you must provide the following documents at least 14 days before the first scheduled § 341 Meeting of Creditors:

  1. Profit and Loss Statement for each business or self-employment activity covering the 60-day period before filing, including income reported on IRS Form 1099.
  2. Business Questionnaire for each business you operated during the 60-day period before filing, using the form provided by the Chapter 13 Trustee (available on our website at https://www.ch13ut.org/forms.html).

You Must Attend Your First Meeting of Creditors Via Zoom

  • Refer to the Notice of your Meeting of Creditors sent by the Bankruptcy Court or obtain the Zoom link on the home page.
  • At your Meeting of Creditors, the Chapter 13 Trustee and creditors who appear will ask you questions about your bankruptcy case, so please be prepared and be familiar with your bankruptcy papers.
  • If you fail to appear at your at your Meeting of Creditors, the Chapter 13 Trustee must recommend dismissal of your case.

For additional instructions and important information, please carefully review the letter which you receive from the Chapter 13 Trustee’s office shortly after you file for bankruptcy.  If you do not receive the letter, please contact the Trustee’s office. You may also wish to view the instructions from the U.S. Department of Justice available here: https://www.justice.gov/ust/moc. 

Email: trusteemail@ch13ut.org
Phone: (801) 596-2884