A Pro Se debtor is a person who files and/or proceeds in bankruptcy without an attorney. A Pro Se debtor is responsible for all aspects of his/her case. Failure to comply with the Bankruptcy Code and Rules or with court orders may result in the dismissal of the debtor's case.

From the United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Indiana:

Filing Without an Attorney

CAUTION:It is very important that a bankruptcy case be filed and handled correctly. The rules are very technical and a misstep may affect your rights. Further, bankruptcy has long-term financial and legal consequences - hiring a competent attorney is strongly recommended. Even if you cannot afford to pay an attorney, you may be able to qualify for free legal services. For information about hiring an attorney, or about free legal services, contact your state or local bar association.  

SPECIAL CAUTION REGARDING BANKRUPTCY PETITION PREPARERS:Beware of bankruptcy petition preparers who do not comply with all legal requirements. The role of non-attorney petition preparers is solely to type information on bankruptcy forms. They are barred by law from providing legal advice -- they cannot explain how to answer legal questions or assist in bankruptcy court. Petition preparers must sign all documents they prepare; print their name, address, and social security number on such documents; and furnish copies to you. They cannot sign a document on your behalf or receive payment from you for court fees.  

NEITHER THE TRUSTEE NOR HER STAFF can provide you legal advise.  We can advise as to what documents WE need and how to attend the 341.  As far as anything else, filing amendments, certificates, amending schedules, or exemption planning, OUR OFFICE WILL NOT ASSIST you with that.  You will need to either handle that yourself or seek legal advise from an attorney. No execeptions. Please refer to the 341 Documents tab to determine what needs forwarded to our office. 

Corporations and partnerships must have an attorney for filing a bankruptcy case. While it is possible for individuals to file a bankruptcy case "Pro Se", that is, without representation by an attorney, it is extremely difficult to do so successfully. The Court is not able to give legal advice or help fill out forms. Pro se debtors are expected to follow all rules and procedures and should be familiar with the Bankruptcy Code and Rules and all applicable local rules. Hiring a competent attorney is highly recommended.

Members of the Clerk’s office are prohibited from assisting with the completion of any forms.

HOW TO GET REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO OUR OFFICE

Upon receipt of an email address for Debtor, our office will send an invitation to you that will be good for 7 days.  You will use the link provided in that invitation to upload pdfs or pictures to the software system.  Please email [email protected] advising of how the documents have been sent.  If you do not have the ability to upload these documents securely in this manner, the only other option is to mail copies to our office.  Mail them long in advance to get here in plenty of time to be reviewed. 


Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure can be found here: https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/frbp

Local Bankruptcy Court Rules can be found here:  https://www.innb.uscourts.gov/court-info/local-rules-and-orders/local-rules 

Further information may be found at: https://www.innb.uscourt.gov/filing-without-attorney. 

National Forms

Offical court forms approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States for use in all Bankruptcy Courts.

Local Forms

Official court forms approved for use in the Northern District of Indiana

FORMS FOR OUR OFFICE SPECIFICALLY:

pro se packet 2.22.22.pdf

bankruptcy information sheet in spanish.pdf

Bankruptcy Information Sheet in English.pdf

Domestic Support Obligation Verification FormTrustee NEW ADDRESS.doc

EXTRA DOCS WORKSHEET9.16.22.pdf