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eSR (Electronic Self-Representation)

 

 eSR Flow Chart

Anatomy of a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case

Anatomy of a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Case

Bankruptcy Basics

Chapter 7 Information

Chapter 13 Information

Common Bankruptcy Terms

FAQ: Credit Reporting and the Bankruptcy Court

Filing Fees

Filing Requirements

For Pro Se Filers

General Bankruptcy Info

Meeting of Creditors Info

Pro Se Forms

Speak With an Attorney for Free

Electronic Self-Representation (eSR) Bankruptcy Petition Preparation System for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13

THIS ONLINE TOOL IS FOR SELF-REPRESENTED DEBTORS ONLY

Bankruptcy has serious long-term financial and legal consequences and hiring a competent attorney is strongly recommended.  Individuals filing for bankruptcy without an attorney are still responsible for knowing and following all the legal requirements.  The Bankruptcy Court is not permitted to provide legal advice.

If you would like to meet with an attorney for a FREE 30-minute consultation prior to filing bankruptcy, you may contact the Pro Se Assistance Program sponsored by the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. Click Here to schedule an appointment.

Note: Employees of the Clerk's Office are NOT attorneys and are therefore restricted from offering ANY legal advice.

 

What is eSR?

  • eSR is an online tool to help individuals complete a Chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy petition when they have decided to file bankruptcy without an attorney.

 

Who can use eSR?

  • Individuals who wish to file a bankruptcy petition and who live in the Eastern District of Missouri can use eSR.

Note: eSR is not available to attorneys or bankruptcy petition preparers. eSR is not designed for business or corporate bankruptcy filings.   eSR is only available for individual chapter 7 and chapter 13 filings.

 

Why use eSR?

  • Although you must pay the required filing fee for a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 case, there is no additional cost to use eSR.  
  • eSR has a guided, step-by-step process that allows you up to 45 days to complete the documentation required to file a chapter 7 or chapter 13 case.
  • Your personal information is only accessible to you using a unique login and password assigned to you.
  • eSR is accessible 24 hours a day from any Internet-enabled computer.
  • There is no software to download or purchase.

 

eSR Computer Requirements

  • A computer or tablet with an Internet connection.
    • Note: eSR will NOT work from a smart phone.

  • Adobe Reader (version 8 or higher).
  • Pop-up blocker must be disabled.
  • Printer.
  • Browser requirements – We recommend that you use the latest version of Mozilla Firefox, Edge, Chrome or Safari.

 

How do I file for bankruptcy using eSR?

  • The law requires debtors to complete a credit counseling course before filing bankruptcy. To review a list of Court-approved credit counseling agencies, click here.  
  • Collect all your financial documents before you begin. When filing for bankruptcy, documentation is necessary.  Use these convenient checklists to ensure you have everything needed to file via eSR:

  • Click the following links to see the filing requirements for filing a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 case.
  • Create a user profile, provide an email address (this will also serve as your login ID), and create a password for eSR.
  • Using eSR, answer questions about your property, income and debts.
  • See the flowchart on How to Prepare a Petition Using eSR here.

 

What happens AFTER I submit the eSR packet?

  • The Court will send you a confirmation email at the email address you provided to set up a profile. This confirmation email will contain links to the following documents you will need to submit to the Court with original signatures. The documents are: (1) The Declaration Regarding Electronic Filing, (2) a Statement About Your Social Security Numbers (Official Form B121), and (3) a Verification of Matrix. There will be links to other documents related to the filing fee, if needed.
  • Come to the Court or mail the following originally signed documents: the Declaration Regarding Electronic Filing form, Statement About Your Social Security Numbers, Verification of Matrix and filing fee to the Court.
    • Submit to:
      • United States Bankruptcy Court
      • Eastern District of Missouri
      • 111 S. 10th St., 4th Floor
      • St. Louis, MO 63102

    • Note: An automatic stay (injunction) is NOT in effect until a bankruptcy case number is issued by the Bankruptcy Court.

  • Once the case is filed, the Court will send you a notice containing your case number and information about your meeting of creditors. You MUST attend the meeting of creditors, as instructed. For trustee information concerning the meeting of creditors click here.
  • You can check the status of your case using the automated Multi-Court Voice Case Information System (MVCIS) by calling (866) 222-8029, #1,6,1,7,3.   
  • Contact the Clerk's Office with any additional questions: (314) 244-4500.  
  • See the following flow charts that discuss what happens in a bankruptcy case.

 

How do I access eSR?

  • You can get started using eSR: Click Here

 

Do I have to pay my entire filing fee when I submit my packet?

  • You have the following options for paying your filing fee:
    •  You can pay the filing fee in full by submitting cash in person at the Court, a cashier’s check or money order, made payable to "Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court" at the time you submit your Declaration Regarding Electronic Filing form and the additional items required to complete your filing. Do Not mail cash to the Court.
    •  You can request that the Court allow the filing fee to be paid in installments by filing an Application to Pay Filing Fees in Installments. If approved, half of the filing fee must be paid within 7 days of the filed date of the petition. You will then pay the balance at 60 and 90 days from the filed date of the petition. You can pay the installments by submitting a cashier’s check or money order, made payable to “Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court”.
    •  If you are filing a Chapter 7 case you may request that the Court waive your filing fee by filing an Application For Waiver of Chapter 7 Filing Fee. By law, the judge may only waive the filing fee if your income is less than 150 percent of the official poverty line for the size of your family and if you are unable to pay the fee in installments.

 

How to Restore your Petition package
After it has already been submitted and you received a confirmation number but before your bankruptcy petition is officially filed:

  1. Log back into the Electronic Self-Representation website by clicking here.  
  2. Click on Continue a Petition Packet Tab and login,
  3. Click on drop down #6: Petition Package on the left side panel. Then click on the Review and Submit link,
  4. Click on the checkbox at the bottom of the page “To restore this petition and make it available for changes…”,  
  5. Click on Restore Package button.

 

eSR Help

  • For technical assistance regarding eSR, please contact the Bankruptcy Court Clerk's Office at 314-244-4500. Please note, the Clerk's Office is prohibited from giving legal advice.
  • To see Frequently Asked Questions, click here.

 

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