Can You File Bankruptcy Online? What's Possible in 2025

Most bankruptcy courts don't let you file bankruptcy forms online without an attorney. You typically need to file in person or mail your paperwork to the courthouse.

That said, filing forms is just one of ten steps in the bankruptcy process. You can handle many other steps online, including credit counseling, document gathering, and often your creditor meeting. Knowing what you can do remotely saves time and helps you prepare efficiently.

Can You File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Online?

Most bankruptcy courts across the U.S. Don't allow pro se filers—people representing themselves,to submit forms online. You'll need to file in person at your local courthouse or send your paperwork by mail.

Rules vary by court. Some districts have begun offering online filing systems for self-represented filers. Check with your local bankruptcy court clerk's office to see if they allow electronic filing for pro se cases.

Talk About Debt helps you prepare your Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms online for free. Our AI assistant, Zero, guides you through every question to build your complete filing package. Once your forms are ready, you'll file them in person or by mail. An attorney should review your forms before you submit them to the court. Start your free filing preparation.

Can You File Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Online?

No. Chapter 13 bankruptcy follows the same filing rules as Chapter 7. Most courts don't allow online submission for self-represented individuals.

Chapter 13 works well for people with regular income who need to catch up on mortgage payments or car loans. It also helps those who earn too much to qualify for Chapter 7.

Chapter 13 requires significantly more paperwork than Chapter 7. You must create a detailed repayment plan spanning three to five years. Because of this complexity, most people who file Chapter 13 without professional help struggle to complete the process successfully.

If Chapter 13 seems right for your situation, speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free. They can help you build a workable repayment plan and navigate the filing requirements.

The online filing information below applies to both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases.

What You Can Do Online When Filing Bankruptcy

Several required bankruptcy steps can be completed entirely online:

• Take both required courses: Complete credit counseling before filing and the financial management course after filing. Both courses are available from approved providers online.
• Download official forms: Access bankruptcy petition forms and any local forms your court requires from the U.S. Courts website or your district court's site.
• Gather financial documents: Download your free credit report, bank statements, tax returns, and pay stubs,all documents you'll need to complete your forms.
• Attend your 341 meeting of creditors: Many courts now hold these meetings virtually or by phone. Check your court notice for the format and instructions.

You can also track your case through PACER, the federal court's online system. Sign up for email notifications to get updates about your bankruptcy case automatically.

What You Can't Do Online When Filing Bankruptcy

Some parts of the bankruptcy process still require traditional methods,in-person visits or mailing documents:

• File your bankruptcy forms with the court: In most districts, you'll need to file in person or by mail if you're representing yourself.
• Pay court filing fees: Most courts require in-person or mailed payment. If you need a fee waiver or want to pay in installments, you'll submit that request when you file.
• Submit documents to your trustee: Before your 341 meeting, the bankruptcy trustee typically requires specific documents like tax returns and pay stubs. Check their requirements,some accept email, others require mail.
• Attend reaffirmation hearings: If you're keeping a car with a loan and signing a reaffirmation agreement, you may need to attend a court hearing. Not all courts require these hearings.

How Talk About Debt Helps You File Online

Our platform handles everything you can do online for your Chapter 7 filing:

• Form preparation: Zero, our AI assistant, asks simple questions and fills out your bankruptcy forms automatically. No legal jargon.
• Credit report import: Connect your credit accounts directly to ensure you list every creditor.
• State exemptions: We automatically apply your state's bankruptcy exemptions to protect your property.
• Means test screening: Find out if you qualify for Chapter 7 before you start.
• Course referrals: We point you to approved credit counseling providers you can complete online.

Once your forms are complete, you'll download them and file at your local courthouse. We recommend having a bankruptcy attorney review your paperwork before filing,many offer free consultations.

Check if you qualify for Chapter 7 in less than five minutes.

Why Most Courts Don't Allow Online Filing for Pro Se Filers

Bankruptcy courts have been slow to adopt online filing for self-represented filers for a few reasons:

Technical barriers: The federal court's electronic filing system (CM/ECF) requires registration, training, and a PACER account. It's designed for attorneys who file regularly, not individuals filing once.

Error prevention: Courts receive fewer incomplete or incorrect filings when people submit paper forms in person. Clerks can catch obvious errors on the spot.

Security concerns: Bankruptcy petitions contain sensitive financial information. Courts want to ensure documents are filed securely.

This is gradually changing. Some districts now allow pro se filers to use simplified online filing portals. Expect more courts to offer this option in the coming years.

The Bottom Line

You can't file bankruptcy forms online in most courts, but you can complete nearly every other step remotely. Use online tools to prepare your forms, take required courses, and gather documents. Then file your completed paperwork in person or by mail.

Talk About Debt's free filing tool handles all the online preparation work. You answer questions, we build your forms, and you file them at your courthouse. Start preparing your Chapter 7 filing now.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Bankruptcy laws and court procedures vary by location. Consult a licensed bankruptcy attorney for guidance on your specific situation.