FAQs

  • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CREDIT COUNSELING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COURSES? ARE THEY MANDATORY AND IF SO, WHEN SHOULD I TAKE THEM?

    All individual debtors must obtain credit counseling BEFORE filing for bankruptcy. Click here to access a list of approved credit counselors.

    To be eligible for a discharge, all individual debtors must attend a Financial Management Course WHILE THE CASE IS PENDING. Click here to access a list of approved Financial Management Courses.

     

  • WHO GETS A COPY OF MY DISCHARGE?

    All creditors and parties in interest in your case will receive a copy of the discharge. You may obtain a list of recipients using the methods of accessing case information indicated below.
     

  • WHAT DEBTS WILL BE DISCHARGED?

    Please click here for Discharge in Bankruptcy - Bankruptcy Basics.
     

  • HOW DO I GET TO THE FIRST MEETING OF CREDITORS?

    If the Meeting is being conducted at one of our courthouses and you need directions, use the links in Number 1 above. Use the links below for directions to other locations:

  • MUST I ATTEND THE MEETING OF CREDITORS?

    Yes, debtors must attend the Meeting of Creditors. This meeting is also referred to as the First Meeting, First Meeting of Creditors or the Section 341(a) Meeting. It is conducted by the trustee and may be held at a location other than the courthouse.
     

  • DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY TO FILE BANKRUPTCY?

    While it is possible to file a bankruptcy case pro se, that is, without the assistance of an attorney, it is extremely difficult to do so successfully. Hiring a competent attorney is highly recommended. If you are unable to afford an attorney, you may qualify for free legal advice or representation. For more information regarding these services, please click here for a Schedule of Legal Resources. The Court and members of the Clerk's Office staff cannot recommend a lawyer.
     

  • WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY THE FEE?

    Individual debtors may request permission from the Court to pay the filing fee in installments. Payments may be made in no more than four (4) installment payments and the final installment must be made within 120 days after the filing of the petition. If the debtor fails to pay any installment when due the case may be dismissed. Click here for an Application and Order to Pay in Installments.

    Chapter 7 debtors who meet certain requirements may request that the court waive the filing fee. Click here for an Application for Waiver of the Chapter 7 Filing Fee.

     

  • WHAT IS THE FILING FEE AND MAY I PAY THE FILING FEE IN CASH?

    The fee to file a bankruptcy petition varies depending upon the chapter filed. For a list of current filing fees click here. Filing fees may not be paid in cash. They must be paid in the form of business or attorney check, money order or certified check.

    The court accepts cash for the payment of in-person copy requests and public printing fees ONLY. You must present exact change.

     

  • HOW DO I GET TO THE COURT?

    The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey has three locations. Click on the following links for directions to each Courthouse.

     

    Camden Newark Trenton

     

    PLEASE NOTE THAT 341(A) MEETINGS ARE CONDUCTED BY A TRUSTEE AND MAY BE HELD IN LOCATIONS OTHER THAN THE COURTHOUSE.

     

  • HOW DO I CONTACT THE COURT?

    Please click here for the Staff Directory which includes the street and mailing address of each Clerk's Office. NOTE: Judges cannot be reached by direct telephone lines. If you have a question or comment for one of our judges, please contact a member of their staff or write to them at the appropriate address.

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