Individuals without an attorney who live in the Western District of NC now have the option of submitting a bankruptcy petition through our Electronic Self-Representation (eSR) system. eSR is an online tool to help prepare a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition when you have decided to file bankruptcy without an attorney. eSR is not available to attorneys or bankruptcy petition preparers and is not designed for business or corporate bankruptcy filings. Please review the guidelines and requirements for Filing without an Attorney.

IMPORTANT WARNING: If you are filing bankruptcy to stop a foreclosure proceeding, eviction, or other credit collection action, eSR may not be the best option. A bankruptcy petition is NOT considered filed (and does not receive a case number) until the signed Declaration Regarding Electronic Filing (the "Declaration") is received from all filers and filed with the court. Please note that the confirmation email that your eSR package has been submitted does NOT constitute a filing.

Bankruptcy is a complicated legal procedure that has serious long-term financial and legal consequences, and hiring a competent attorney is strongly recommended. Every case is unique, and specific questions about bankruptcy should be directed to an attorney. Employees of the Bankruptcy Court Clerk's Office are NOT attorneys and cannot give you ANY legal advice. Individuals filing for bankruptcy without an attorney are responsible for knowing and following all of the legal requirements.

Why use eSR?

Although there is a required filing fee for a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 case, there is no additional cost to use eSR. eSR has a guided, step-by-step process that allows you up to 45 days to complete. Your personal information is only accessible to you using a login and password assigned to you. eSR is accessible 24 hours a day from any Internet-enabled computer. There is no software to download or purchase.

eSR Computer Requirements

• A computer or tablet with Internet connection

• Valid email address

• Adobe Reader (version 8 or higher)

• Pop-up blocker must be disabled

• Printer

• Browser requirements - It is recommended that you use the latest version of Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome, or Safari.

• eSR will NOT work from a smart phone.

How do I use eSR?

• Create a login and password.

• Answer questions about your property, income, and debts.

• Submit the petition package to the court via eSR. Please make sure to not fill out the petition in all uppercase letters.

• Complete and sign the eSR Declaration form provided on the confirmation page or in the confirmation email.

• Contact the Clerk's Office to obtain your bankruptcy case number.

You must complete and sign the Declaration or your case will not be filed.
The Declaration can be submitted in person, by mail, or through the court's Electronic Drop Box.

Submit by mail or in person the Statement of Social Security Number and other forms to:

You must pay the filing fee or submit an Application for Individuals to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments or Application for Waiver of Chapter 7 Filing Fee. An Application or Waiver may be submitted through the Electronic Drop Box.

The filing fee must be tendered to the Charlotte office and is required to be in the form of a certified check, money order, or cash in the exact amount required.
(No personal checks or debit/credit cards are allowed for payment.)
Do not send cash through the mail.
Please include your name and case number (if known) on all forms of payment to ensure proper credit.

A bankruptcy case MAY BE DISMISSED if the Statement of Social Security Number, filing fee/Application, and other required documents are NOT received by the court.

If you do not submit all of your required schedules and statements, you will receive a Notice of Deficient Filing that lists the missing documents.

NOTE: A bankruptcy petition is NOT considered filed and does not receive a case number until the signed Declaration is received and processed by the court. Please note: If the Declaration is received outside of business hours (8:30 AM to 4:00 PM), the case will be opened the following business day. Once you submit the Declaration, contact the Clerk’s Office to obtain your bankruptcy case number.

eSR Help - The Clerk’s Office cannot give legal advice. For technical and procedural assistance with eSR, please contact the office at 704-350-7500. Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed for lunch 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM).

Additional items to be completed and filed with an eSR petition can be found at the following links:
Official Forms – http://www.uscourts.gov/FormsAndFees/Forms/BankruptcyForms.aspx
Local Forms - https://www.ncwb.uscourts.gov/forms/all-forms/Local%20Forms
Required Lists, Schedules, Statements, and Fees - https://www.uscourts.gov/forms/bankruptcy-forms/required-lists-schedules-statements-and-fees
Complete a credit counseling course from the list of approved agencies - http://www.ncwba.uscourts.gov/credit-counseling