How do I fill out the forms?

ALL BLANK SPACES AND LINES ON EACH FORM must be completed.  Some forms contain boxes to indicate that the debtor has nothing to report or a question does not apply.  On all other forms, a debtor should either insert “N/A” or “None” in response to any question or request for information that is not applicable or should cross out a printed statement that does not apply and initial the cross-out.

You should not include sensitive information in any document filed with the court unless such inclusion is required by statute, Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure or Official Bankruptcy Forms or the inclusion is otherwise necessary and relevant to the case.  You must remember that any personal information not otherwise protected will be available on the internet via PACER.

Personal data identifiers should be redacted in the following manner:

Social Security numbers should only include the last 4 digits,

Financial account numbers should include only the last 4 digits,

Names of minor children should only include initials, and

Dates of birth should only include the year of birth.

Exercise caution when filing any of the following:

• any personal identifying number, such as driver’s license number
• medical records, treatment and diagnosis
• employment history
• individual financial information
• proprietary or trade secret information.

The Clerk’s Office will not review documents for the purpose of deleting sensitive information.  The court will image all pleadings as submitted even if they contain personal identifying information.

Click here for our court’s Privacy Guidelines.