How to Add a Creditor After Filing Bankruptcy Forms

You filed for bankruptcy and finally found peace from collection calls. Then a debt collector contacts you. You realize you missed a creditor in your bankruptcy forms.

Don’t panic. Everyone makes mistakes and you can fix this one relatively easily.

You’ll need to fill out some forms and pay a $34 amendment filing fee. Once you’ve added the creditor, you’ll be protected. If you don’t amend your creditor schedules, the debt you owe may not be discharged.

Many states follow a “no harm, no foul” rule for accidentally omitting a creditor. These states generally say that if no funds are being distributed to creditors (a no-asset case), the debt is discharged anyway. If you’re unsure about your case status and can’t afford the $34 filing fee, speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free.

The Process for Adding a Creditor

The process varies from district to district. Check your court’s website or call the clerk’s office first. Your bankruptcy court likely has a specific guide for adding creditors.

Step 1: Identify the Type of Debt

The debt type determines which form you need. There are three main types:

Secured Debt

Can the creditor repossess items if you don’t make payments? Common examples include car loans, motorcycle loans, and mortgages.

Form needed: Official Form 106D, Schedule D

Priority Debt

Is the creditor a government entity or your former spouse? Common examples include taxes, child support, and alimony.

Form needed: Official Form 106E/F, Schedule E/F – PART 1

Unsecured Nonpriority Debt

Common examples include credit cards, student loans, medical bills, payday loans, and personal loans.

Form needed: Official Form 106E/F, Schedule E/F – PART 2

Step 2: Collect All Required Forms

Download each form and save it on your computer. All forms are fillable PDFs you can complete without special software.

In addition to Schedule D and/or Schedule E/F, you also need:

• Official Form 106sum, Summary of your Assets and Liabilities
• Official Form 106dec, Declaration about an Individual’s Schedules
• Any local forms the court requires

If you have a co-signer on the debt, you’ll also need Official Form 106H, Schedule H.

Step 3: Add Your Case Information

Write specific information on every page of each form. Check the box indicating this is an amended filing.

You’ll need your name, court name, and case number. If you filed jointly with your spouse, include their name too.

Find your court name and case number on Official Form 309A, Notice of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case. Contact your local bankruptcy clerk if you can’t locate that form.

Official fillable forms automatically update case information on all pages. If you’re filling forms out by hand, add this information on every page.

Step 4: Complete the Forms

Adding a Priority Debt on Schedule E/F

• Check “yes” for Question 1 in Part 1
• Add the creditor on line 2.1
• List the total claim amount if you’re unsure how much is priority vs. nonpriority
• Check all applicable boxes

Adding an Unsecured Nonpriority Debt on Schedule E/F

• Check “no” for Question 1 in Part 1 and go to Part 2
• Check “yes” for Question 3
• Add creditor on line 4.1 with correct address and last four digits of account number
• Write “unknown” if you don’t know the account number
• List the debt amount under “total claim”
• Check all applicable boxes

Update the Total on Schedule E/F

Once you’ve added the debts, update the totals in Part 4, Question 6. Only include amounts listed in your amendment.

If You Have a Co-signer, Update Schedule H

Skip this section if you’re solely responsible for the debt. Otherwise:

• Check “yes” for Question 1
• Copy your response to Question 2 from your original Schedule H
• Add co-debtor information for Question 3.1
• Add co-signer name and address in Column 1
• Identify the Schedule and line number where the co-debtor appears

Summary and Signature Pages

The summary sheet acts as a cover sheet for your amended schedules. Pull your original summary sheet you submitted to the court.

• Answer Question 1 by copying information from the original summary
• Complete Part 2 by increasing amounts based on your amendment
• Example: Original summary shows $23,450 for Question 3. Your amendment adds $2,000. New response: $25,450
• Answer Questions 4-8 by copying from the original summary
• Answer Question 9 by increasing the amount based on your amendment

Print and sign the signature sheet. You must submit it with your amended schedules.

Step 5: Create the Creditor Matrix

The creditor matrix lists all your creditors’ addresses like mailing labels. Courts use it to notify creditors about case developments.

Check your court’s website or call the clerk’s office. Ask where to find information about creating and filing a creditor matrix for an amendment. Follow instructions carefully or the clerk may reject your filing.

You’ll also need to prepare a verification of the creditor matrix. Use the same form from your original filing but add your case number. Indicate this is for an amendment to your creditor matrix.

Step 6: Complete Local Forms

Some districts require a cover sheet, certificate of service, or other supplemental forms. Check your court’s website or call the clerk’s office to learn what local forms you need.

Complete these forms before visiting the courthouse. Always bring all required forms when filing your amendment.

Step 7: File Your Amendment With the Court

Visit the courthouse or mail your amended schedules via U.S. mail. The filing fee is $34 for amending creditor schedules. The fee stays the same even if you add multiple creditors.

Not all bankruptcy courts accept cash. Call ahead if you plan to pay with cash. Never send cash by mail. Include a cashier’s check or money order instead. Write your name and case number in the memo field.

What Happens After You File

The court will process your amendment and notify the added creditor. The creditor receives the same bankruptcy protection as all other creditors in your case.

Your discharge should include this debt once the bankruptcy concludes. Speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free if you have questions about your discharge or how the amendment affects your case.

Taking proper steps to correct the error protects your fresh start. You’re doing the right thing by amending your schedules.