After you File

You must take the following steps, by the deadlines mentioned.

1. Required Identification, Tax Return, Payment Advices, and Bank Statements


No later than 7 days before the § 341 Meeting of Creditors, you must deliver to your case trustee copies of the following:

  • A picture ID issued by a governmental unit
  • Evidence of Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
  • Statements for each of the debtor's depository and investment accounts including checking, savings and money market accounts, mutual funds and brokerage accounts for the time period that includes the date of filing of the petition.
  • Documentation of monthly expenses claimed by the debtor when required by section 707(b)(2)(A) or (B).
  • Your most recent federal income tax return, along with copies of pay stubs or wage statements for wages and income received during the 60 days preceding the filing of the petition.   Request a transcript of your federal tax return

NOTE: The name and address of your case trustee and the date, time, and location of your meeting of creditors will be mailed to you by the Clerk's Office within 5 days of the filing of the petition. Failure to provide copies of tax return and payment advices to your case trustee in a timely manner may result in dismissal of your case.

2.  Meeting of Creditors


Within 21 days, but no more than 40 to 60 days (depending on the chapter and location of the meeting) after the date of filing, the United States trustee shall hold a meeting of creditors.

Important Requirements for Debtors

See video Creditors' Meeting.  

3. Personal Financial Management Course


Within 60 days after the first date set for the meeting of creditors in a Chapter 7 case and no later than the last payment made by the debtor as required by the plan or the filing of a motion for entry of discharge under § 1328 (b) in a Chapter 13 case, you must (1) complete an instructional course in personal financial management form an approved provider and (2) file with the court Official Form 423, Certification About a Financial Management Course.

Failure to complete the instructional course in personal financial management and file OF 423 will prevent entry of discharge in your case and may result in dismissal of your case. Each debtor in a joint petition must file OF 423.

For more details view our Personal Financial Management Requirements videos (English version) (Spanish version)

NOTE: If an order has been entered granting your motion for exemption from the requirement due to mental incapacitation, physical disability, or active military duty in a combat zone, file OF 423 making sure to mark the appropriate box on the form.