How To Find All the Debts You Owe Before Filing Bankruptcy

Drowning in debt collector calls makes it hard to track who you owe. You need a complete creditor list for your bankruptcy filing. Here’s how to find every debt and creditor.

How Do You Find All Your Debts and Creditors When Filing Bankruptcy?

You’ve decided bankruptcy is right for you. Now you need accurate information. You must list every person and business you owe money to on your bankruptcy forms.

Remembering everyone gets complicated when debts go to collections or get sold. Multiple collection agencies may own debts from the same original creditor. Use these three methods to build your complete list:

• Pull your credit reports from all three bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
• Gather recent mail and emails from creditors and collectors
• Contact original creditors directly about accounts you can’t locate

You need the creditor’s name, mailing address, and estimated balance. That’s the essential information for your bankruptcy paperwork.

Check Your Credit Report First

Most credit card debts, personal loans, and secured debts appear on your credit report. Car loans and mortgages show up there too. Start with AnnualCreditReport.com for free weekly reports.

Credit card companies often sell defaulted debts to collection agencies. These agencies appear on your credit reports even though you never borrowed from them directly.

What About Medical Bills and Court Judgments?

Medical debt and court judgments don’t appear immediately on credit reports. Sometimes they never do. You’ll need other methods to track them down.

Medical bills often don’t show up at all. Look through old bills from hospitals or doctors you’ve visited. Physical copies help jog your memory about outstanding balances.

Can’t find physical bills? Call the provider directly. Ask if you have an outstanding balance. You don’t need to mention your bankruptcy plans. Just say you’re checking your account status.

Court judgments also skip credit reports usually. Check any records you kept from the lawsuit. No records? Contact the court that handled your case. Many courts have online case lookup tools, though they can be tricky to navigate.

Don’t get discouraged if court websites confuse you. Calling the clerk’s office directly often works better. They can help you find case details and creditor information.

Gather Mail and Emails From Creditors and Debt Collectors

Your mailbox and inbox hold valuable clues. Cross-reference these with your credit report for accuracy.

Fallen behind on payments? You’ve received letters and notices. Collect everything from the past few months. Include bills, past-due notices, and collection letters.

Keep letters from companies you don’t recognize. Debt collectors buy accounts and contact you under new company names. That unfamiliar letter might be your old credit card debt.

Check your email thoroughly. Many companies send bills and updates electronically now. Search for “statement,” “bill,” “payment reminder,” or specific company names. Credit cards, personal loans, and online services often communicate digitally.

Missing some mail or emails? That’s okay. These tools help trigger your memory. Your best effort to list everyone counts, even without exact balances or account numbers.

Call Creditors or Debt Collectors if You’re Unsure

Still uncertain about specific accounts? Make a quick phone call. Contact the original creditor or current debt collector. Ask if an outstanding balance exists in your name.

You don’t need to explain your call. Say something simple: “I’m checking to see if I still have a balance on this account.” You’re not required to mention bankruptcy plans.

Write down important details during the call. Record the representative’s name, the date, and what they told you. If they confirm a balance, request the mailing address and total amount due. Your bankruptcy forms need this information.

Nervous about calling? You’re doing nothing wrong. Getting a clear financial picture is responsible. You’re taking steps toward a fresh start.

Need help navigating the bankruptcy process? You can speak with a bankruptcy attorney for free to discuss your options.

What About Money You Owe Friends and Family?

Include friends and family on your bankruptcy forms. You must list them even if they say you don’t need to pay them back. Even if they ask not to be listed, include them anyway.

The law requires listing everyone you owe to your best knowledge. You can’t pick who to leave off your forms. Complete disclosure protects you legally.

You can pay back anyone after your bankruptcy discharge. Friends and family included. Bankruptcy erases eligible debts under the Bankruptcy Code. You’re not obligated to repay discharged debts. But you can if you choose to.

Wanting to repay loved ones is natural and completely legal after bankruptcy. Your discharge gives you the choice, not an obligation.