Filing for bankruptcy without an attorney is referred to as filing "pro se," which means representing yourself in legal matters. The information below is intended to answer common questions from pro se bankruptcy filers and should not be construed as legal advice.
If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, we strongly encourage you to obtain the services of an attorney who specializes in bankruptcy law. Employees of the bankruptcy court cannot provide you with ANY legal advice. Individuals filing for bankruptcy without an attorney are responsible for knowing and following all of the legal requirements. For information about hiring an attorney, contact the North Carolina State Bar.
Please review the following information to educate yourself on filing for bankruptcy.
What is Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy Basics: This source provides general information about federal bankruptcy laws, the bankruptcy process, and the different chapters of bankruptcy.
Local Pro Se Guidelines: This document provides additional information to pro se debtors filing bankruptcy.
Checklist of Requirements for Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 Checklist
Chapter 13 Checklist
General Timeline and Events for Bankruptcy Cases
Chapter 7 Case Flow
Chapter 13 Case Flow
Forms listed on the Checklists
Official Bankruptcy Forms
Local Bankruptcy Forms
Mandatory Credit Counseling Course
Credit Counseling: This source contains a list of approved credit counseling providers. A credit counseling course must be taken PRIOR to filing for bankruptcy.
Filing Fees
Payment Requirements: This source provides information about the cost of filing for bankruptcy, as well as how and where you can make payments.
Pay.gov: The website to pay fees online with a debit card.
Notice in Bankruptcy
A creditor matrix is a list of your creditors and their addresses. All bankruptcy petitions submitted for filing must be accompanied by a creditor matrix. DO NOT include account numbers. See example below:
Creditor Name
123 Bankruptcy Ave
Charlotte NC 28202
Debtor Electronic Bankruptcy Noticing (DeBN) is a Bankruptcy Noticing Center program that allows debtors to receive orders and notices sent by the Court via email rather than by U.S. mail.
How to Start a Bankruptcy Case (Filing the Bankruptcy Petition)
There are several ways to go about starting a bankruptcy case. You may file online, by mail, or in person at the bankruptcy court clerk's office.
To file online, submit the required documents listed on the Chapter 7 Checklist or Chapter 13 Checklist electronically via Electronic Self-Representation (eSR).
To file by mail, send the required documents listed on the Chapter 7 Checklist or Chapter 13 Checklist to 401 W. Trade Street, Suite 2500, Charlotte, NC 28202.
To file in-person, bring the required documents listed on the Chapter 7 Checklist or Chapter 13 Checklist to any of the following locations:
Charlotte Office
401 W. Trade St., Suite 2500, Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 350-7500
Mailing Address: 401 W. Trade St., Suite 2500, Charlotte, NC 28202
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 4:00pm (closed for lunch 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.)
Asheville Office
100 Otis Street, Room 112, Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 771-7300
Mailing Address: 401 W. Trade Street, Suite 2500, Charlotte, NC 28202
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 4:00pm (closed for lunch 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.)
Statesville Office
200 W. Broad Street, Room 301, Statesville, NC 28677
(704) 871-4280
Mailing Address: 401 W. Trade Street, Suite 2500, Charlotte, NC 28202
Hours of Operation: Open once a month (see Court Locations for details).
All offices are closed Saturdays, Sundays, and on federal holidays.
Other Information
Section 341 Meeting of Creditors: This source contains Section 341 Meeting Zoom links and instructions.
Mandatory Financial Management Course
Financial Management: This source contains a list of approved financial management providers. Prior to receiving a discharge, individuals who have filed bankruptcy are required to take a financial management course.