7005 and 5(d)(3):  Submitting Documents Electronically: Self-Represented Parties

FRBP 7005 and FRCP Rule 5(d)(3) authorize the Central District of California to provide a process for self-represented debtors to submit a bankruptcy petition and related schedules and statements electronically for the court to file on behalf of the self-represented party.  When submitting a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy case for filing, self-represented debtors may use a process called Electronic Self Representation (eSR).  See links below

• eSR can be used only by self-represented Individuals who wish to file a bankruptcy petition and who live in the Central District of California. 
• eSR is not available to attorneys or bankruptcy petition preparers. 
• eSR is not designed for business or corporate bankruptcy filings.   
• Use of the eSR program is available for Chapter 7 cases and Chapter 13 cases.
• See Section 1 of The Central Guide (1-05) for information and procedures on using eSR

FRBP 7005 and FRCP Rule 5(d)(3) also authorize the Central District of California to provide a process for self-represented debtors to submit documents electronically for filing after a bankruptcy case is filed, instead of submitting those documents by mail or in person at an intake window.  That process is called Electronic Drop Box (EDB) and requires court permission.  Some features of the EDB program are:

• EDB is NOT available for filing a bankruptcy case.
• EDB is NOT available for filing documents when a fee is required.  See link below to a chart of Filing Fees
• EDB can be used if a self-represented party wishes to file documents in their bankruptcy case or in an adversary proceeding.
• Permission to Access Electronic Drop Box can be revoked by the court.
• See Section 1 of The Central Guide (1-10) for information and procedures on using EDB.