⚡ Emergency Bankruptcy Filing
Stop foreclosure, garnishment, and collections TODAY
⚠️ URGENT: If You're Facing Immediate Action
The automatic stay begins IMMEDIATELY when you file - even with incomplete paperwork. This stops:
- Foreclosure sales (even if scheduled today)
- Evictions (with some exceptions)
- Wage garnishments
- Bank account levies
- Vehicle repossessions
- Utility disconnections
- Collection calls and lawsuits
What Is Emergency Bankruptcy?
Emergency bankruptcy (also called a "skeleton petition" or "bare bones filing") allows you to file minimal paperwork to get immediate bankruptcy protection. You'll have 14 days to complete the full petition.
Documents Required for Emergency Filing
Absolute Minimum to File:
- Voluntary Petition (Form 101)
- Creditor Matrix (list of creditor names and addresses)
- Certificate of Credit Counseling (or request for waiver)
- Filing Fee ($338 for Chapter 7, $313 for Chapter 13) or fee waiver application
Time to Complete: 30-60 minutes with creditor information ready
Step-by-Step Emergency Filing Process
Step 1: Determine Chapter (5 minutes)
Chapter 7 for quick discharge, Chapter 13 to save home/car
Step 2: Complete Credit Counseling (60-90 minutes)
Required within 180 days before filing (can request emergency waiver)
Step 3: Fill Out Petition (20 minutes)
Basic information: name, address, SSN, chapter selection
Step 4: Create Creditor List (20 minutes)
Names and addresses of all creditors (can be handwritten)
Step 5: File at Court (30 minutes)
Submit documents and pay fee (or request waiver)
Step 6: Get Case Number
Protection begins immediately! Notify creditors of case number.
After Emergency Filing: 14-Day Deadline
You MUST file these documents within 14 days or your case will be dismissed:
- All schedules (A through J)
- Statement of Financial Affairs
- Chapter 7 Means Test or Chapter 13 Payment Plan
- Statement of Current Monthly Income
- Copy of tax return
- Pay stubs for 60 days
Emergency Situations by Type
🏠 Foreclosure Tomorrow
File Chapter 13 to stop sale and create plan to catch up on payments. Must file BEFORE sale occurs.
💰 Wage Garnishment
File Chapter 7 or 13. Employer must stop garnishment immediately upon notice of filing.
🚗 Car Repossession
File before repo occurs. Chapter 13 can help get car back if recently repossessed.
🏛️ Lawsuit/Judgment
Filing stops lawsuit proceedings and prevents judgment enforcement.
Court Filing Locations & Hours
Most bankruptcy courts are open Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM. Some courts offer:
- Electronic filing (CM/ECF) available 24/7 for attorneys
- Pro se help desks for self-filers
- Drop boxes for after-hours emergency filings
- Emergency judges available for true emergencies
Costs for Emergency Filing
| Chapter 7 Filing Fee: | $338 |
| Chapter 13 Filing Fee: | $313 |
| Emergency Attorney Fee: | $500-$1,500 |
| Credit Counseling: | $10-$50 |
⚠️ Important Warnings
- Multiple Filings: Reduced protection if you've filed within the past year
- Bad Faith Filing: Court may dismiss if filing only to delay creditors
- Criminal Proceedings: Bankruptcy doesn't stop criminal cases
- Domestic Support: Cannot stop child support or alimony collection
- Certain Tax Debts: Some tax obligations continue despite filing
Get Emergency Help Now
Many attorneys offer same-day emergency filing services