Your bankruptcy petition is a very important document. You must file it with the Oregon bankruptcy court to start your bankruptcy. This document must contain all the information the court will need to conduct your hearing and finalize your bankruptcy. If you leave out information, it could lead to a dismissal of your case or problems down the road with unexcused debts.
The U.S. Courts explains that you will need to provide information about yourself, your dependents, your income and your debts in your bankruptcy petition. It is essential to make sure that this information is complete and accurate.
To properly fill out your petition, you will need to gather information that will allow you to provide full details on your finances. You will want to make a list of your monthly expenses. Be sure to include all utility payments, rent, food costs and other expenses you pay for each month. If you pay for something annually or for a different period than monthly, break it down into what it would cost each month.
You need to detail your income as well. You should make sure you have pay stubs or bank records to back up what you put in your petition. Gather information for every income source for every person in your household.
You also will need information about your debts. Make sure you have creditor names and addresses. Know the exact amount that you owe each creditor.
Finally, you need to make a list of your assets. You want to list everything you own. Large items, such as your vehicle and your home, you can list individually. Personal items, such as furniture and clothing, you can group into categories and give an estimate of value.
Gathering all this information before you begin your petition will be helpful and allow you to ensure completeness. This information is for education and is not legal advice.