5. Sign Bankruptcy Documents

The trustee will prepare your bankruptcy documents, and then you will make an appointment to meet with the trustee to sign your bankruptcy documents. Here’s what you need to know.

When you arrive at the trustee’s office to sign the bankruptcy paperwork you may be somewhat nervous. You are worried about whether or not you are taking the correct approach.  At your initial consultation your trustee explained all of your options, so if you are filing bankruptcy today you have reviewed your options, and you know that bankruptcy is the correct option for you.

The other emotion you will feel today is relief.  By signing the paperwork you know that you are dealing with your debts; the collection calls will stop, and you will be able to get on with your life.

What happens at the meeting when I sign the bankruptcy forms?

Your trustee will start the meeting by asking if you have any questions, so now is the time for you to speak up and ask whatever questions you may have about any part of the process. Your trustee will then explain each document you will be signing, and they will ask you to confirm that the documents are correct.  The main documents you will sign are:

• Assessment Certificate – This document confirms that you have met with a licensed trustee, and that you understand your options and have chosen to file bankruptcy
• Form 65 – Monthly Income and Expense Statement of the Bankrupt and the Family Unit and Information Concerning the Financial Situation of the Individual Bankrupt – it’s a long title, but it’s really just your monthly budget
• Form 79 – Statement of Affairs – this document lists your assets, liabilities, and personal information
• Form 21 – Assignment for the General Benefit of Creditors – this is the document that officially starts your bankruptcy.

In addition to these legally required or “statutory” documents your trustee will also have you sign various other documents describing how you will be making your payments, and covering other administrative aspects of your file.

Two tips for you:

First, if you don’t understand a document, ask the trustee to explain it to you.  Don’t sign anything you don’t understand.

Second, if you are the type of person who wants to read each document in detail before you sign, ask the trustee to e-mail you a copy of all of the documents you will be signing a day or two before the sign up date.  That will give you time to read them in detail, and ask questions before you sign the paperwork.

You can see pdf versions of the four documents mentioned above here:

.  The main documents you will sign are:

• Assessment Certificate
• Form 65 - Monthly Income and Expense Statement of the Bankrupt and the Family Unit and Information Concerning the Financial Situation of the Individual Bankrupt
• Form 79 - Statement of Affairs
• Form 21 - Assignment for the General Benefit of Creditors