Self Represented Parties - Means to File Pleadings
Please visit this page for the methods on how to file documents with the Court.
Creditors (an entity that is owed money) who proceed pro se (without a lawyer) should be aware of the following:
1. Corporations and Partnerships -- Filing of Papers:
a. Corporations and partnerships generally may not file papers in a bankruptcy case without a lawyer (as pro se), and with certain exceptions listed below, must be represented by an attorney. See Bankruptcy Assistance.
b. However, any creditor (including a corporation or a partnership through a non-attorney representative such as a member, officer, or employee) may file without a lawyer any documents that would not constitute the practice of law, such as the following documents:
- a Request to Receive Notices under Fed. R. Bankr. P. 2002(i);
- a Proof of Claim form (Official Form B410) (including an amended Proof of Claim);
- a withdrawal of a Proof of Claim;
- a Notice of Transfer of Claim Other Than for Security (Director's Procedural Form B2100A);
- an Application for Search of Bankruptcy Records (Director's Procedural Form B1320);
- a Request to Recover Unclaimed Funds;
- a Reaffirmation Agreement and Proposed Order regarding that Agreement;
- a ballot for voting on the election of a trustee;
- a ballot voting on a proposed plan in a Chapter 11 case (the plan proponent being responsible for mailing the ballot to the creditor to cast a vote).
2. Corporations and Partnerships – Participation at the Meeting of Creditors (the meeting at which the debtor must appear and submit to an examination under oath under 11 U.S.C. § 343):
a. Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 341(c), (and notwithstanding any other statute, rule, or state constitution provision to the contrary), a creditor holding a claim arising from a consumer debt (including a non-attorney representative of such creditor such as an employee) is permitted to appear at and participate in the meeting of creditors in a case under chapters 7 or 13 of the Bankruptcy Code.
b. Local Bankruptcy Rule 2003-1 also applies to the meeting of creditors.
Even though corporations and partnerships generally may not appear before the court without a lawyer, such creditors may find our For Creditors webpage informative, including information about noticing options, Frequently Asked Questions, and claim filing information.