Self-represented parties (bankruptcy debtors, creditors, other parties) may file new petitions, motions, pleadings, notices, and other papers ("Court Filings") by any of the following methods:

All Court Filings must comply with formatting requirements found in this Court’s Local Rules

Access to Bankruptcy Forms can be found here:  https://www.rib.uscourts.gov/forms

Method 1 - In-Person at the Clerk's Office from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday, except court holidays;

Method 2 - Electronic Document Submission via Email and Use of Electronic Drop Box

1.  New Case Filings (Petition) - The Petition, a  photo or scanned copy of your government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license, passport or identification card, together with a completed Application for Access to Electronic Drop Box and Declaration Regarding Electronic Filing ("Application and Declaration") must be attached and emailed to the Clerk's Office at  rib_helpdesk@rib.uscourts.gov. 

2.  For all other document filings -- complete the attached Application for Access to Electronic Drop Box and Declaration Regarding Electronic Filing ("Application and Declaration"), and submit by email to rib_helpdesk@rib.uscourts.gov for review and approval.

            3.  Comply with Electronic Drop Box ("EDB") Steps

            4.  Instructions for filing documents in the EDB

            5.  Signature Requirements:

The Application and Declaration is required to be signed under oath and you must submit the original signed paper Application and Declaration to the Clerk within fourteen (14) days from entry of the order granting the Application and Declaration, through one of these methods:  

(A) mail to the Clerk at U.S. Bankruptcy Court, 380 Westminster Street, 6^th floor, Providence, RI 02903; or

(B) place in the Court’s physical drop box located outside of the Clerk’s Office entrance on the 6^th floor of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court at 380 Westminster Street, Providence, RI.

Signatures After the Approval of the Application and Declaration:  Upon approval of the Application and Declaration, all future Court Filings that are required to be signed under oath (such as bankruptcy schedules and statements) submitted through the EDB, must include one of the following on the signature line:

            (A)  an image of the self-represented filer’s signature; or

            (B) a “/s/” together with the filer’s full name, e.g. /s/ Jane Doe. 

View the entire local rule LBR 5005-6(a)(2) - CLICK HERE .

Method 3 - Use of U.S. Mail 

by U.S. Mail sent to the Office of the Clerk of Court, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, 380 Westminster Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903.

Method 4 - Special Arrangements with the Clerk's Office

through any other method expressly authorized in advance by the Court, or the Clerk’s Office, which can be reached at 401-626-3100, press 0.

Payment of Filing Fees

All filing fees due by self-represented debtors, may be paid by either:

(1) cash, money order or bank debit card for in-person transactions (effective June 1, 2021);

(2) bank debit card by using the Court's free online fee payment program or

(3) money order via U.S. Mail to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, 380 Westminster Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903. 

For all other self-represented parties, filing fees may be paid by:

(1) cash, check, money order or credit card or debit card for in-person transactions (effective June 1, 2021);

(2) credit card or debit card by using the Court's free online fee payment program or

(3) check or money order via U.S. Mail to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, 380 Westminster Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903.

Other Electronic Filing Programs Available on the Court's Public Website:

1.  Debtor Electronic Noticing:

 The Court also strongly encourages all debtors in bankruptcy to sign up for Free Debtor Electronic Bankruptcy Noticing.  CLICK HERE for information about how to sign up

2.  Creditor Electronic Bankruptcy Noticing 

The Bankruptcy Noticing Center (BNC) manages the agreements between the courts and the creditors for the creditors to receive their notices electronically.   Visit the BNC site for details and to sign up.

3.  Electronic Claims Filing

Creditors, Attorneys and Parties in Interest may file Proofs of Claim electronically through the Court website without being a registered ECF User. Visit this page to learn how

4.  Electronic Filing of Personal Financial Management Certificate

Debtors may file their financial management certificates directly from the Court's website (see button on top left of home page).   Click this LINK for direct access to this on-line program.

Access to Court Documents - Click this LINK for details about how to obtain copies of court documents.