1-07:  FILING BANKRUPTCY: Filing Amended Forms; Notice of Deficiency

If a debtor does not file all required forms or pay required fees or include required signatures, the clerk will file and deliver a notice of deficiency or an order to comply.  If the deficiency is not cured timely, the case may be dismissed.  It is essential that you check your mailbox, email, and case docket, because some deficiencies must be cured within as little as 72 hours or up to 14 days.

1. Deadlines:  FRBP 1007 provides deadlines for filing nearly all documents needed to begin and continue a bankruptcy case. 

• Some must be filed the same day as the petition is filed.
• Others must be filed within 72 hours of filing a bankruptcy petition.
• The vast majority of remaining documents must be filed within 14-days of filing a bankruptcy petition.
• If a debtor requests more time to file these documents, the court has a form motion.  See link below.  NOTE:  An extension of time is not guaranteed, and it is the discretion of the bankruptcy judge to extend a deadline.

2. Filing Amended Forms:    Sometimes amended forms must be filed.  If so, the debtor must ALSO file a Summary of Amended Schedules.  See links below and see FRBP 1009 and LBR 1007-1(c).  For certain amended forms, a fee is required.  Please consult the fee schedule.  See link below

• Correcting Errors or Omissions -- An initial form may contain errors or omissions that are later identified by the debtor or by a case trustee at the Meeting of Creditors.
• Conversion of Bankruptcy Case to Another Chapter -- If a bankruptcy case is converted from one chapter to another chapter, a debtor must file amended forms that may include an amended petition, amended schedules, amended statements, and/or amended lists. 
• Amended Statement of Social Security Number:  If a debtor files an amended Satement of Social Security Number, please check the judge's wepbage to determine if your judge requires you to notify credit reporting agencies.