How is a bankruptcy case filed (started)?
The bankruptcy case is started by filing a document called a petition in federal bankruptcy court. Once a case is opened, the debtor is required to file a set of official forms that includes schedules of assets, liabilities, income and expenses, a statement of financial affairs, and a mailing list of creditors. The court mails a notice of the bankruptcy case to each party on the mailing list filed by the debtor. This notice contains vital information about the case including the date the case was filed, the date of the 341 Meeting of Creditors, and important deadlines.
