Skip to content
Chapter 7 bankruptcy self-help

Bankruptcy forms, built right.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a federal statutory right. The official forms are free. The wizards below build the three most commonly mishandled forms — the means test, your expense schedule, and your statement of intention for secured property — and generate court-ready PDFs in minutes. Free, no signup required.

When the forms aren’t enough

Need the full petition package?

A Chapter 7 petition includes 15+ schedules, a statement of financial affairs, the credit counseling certificate, and local court forms. Case Pass covers all of them plus unlimited follow-up questions for one case, 12 months.

Frequently asked questions

Can I file Chapter 7 pro se?

Yes. Individuals have the right to represent themselves under 11 U.S.C. § 1654. Most districts have a pro se bankruptcy helpdesk — call your local clerk.

How much does it cost to file Chapter 7?

The current filing fee is $338. If your income is below 150% of the federal poverty line, you can apply to waive the fee (Form 103B). Installment payments are also available.

Do I need a lawyer to file Chapter 7?

No — but a bankruptcy attorney can prevent costly mistakes. If you have significant assets, ongoing lawsuits, or complex secured debts, an attorney is strongly recommended. For straightforward no-asset cases, many people file successfully pro se.

What does bankruptcy discharge?

Chapter 7 discharge eliminates most unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, deficiency balances). It does not discharge student loans (in most cases), recent taxes, domestic support obligations, or debts from fraud.

Not legal advice. SynthCounsel is not a law firm. Bankruptcy law is federal but has local rules that vary by district — confirm your district’s procedures at uscourts.gov before filing.