Electronic Self Representation (eSR)
Filing for bankruptcy is a serious matter and it is strongly recommended that anyone considering filing bankruptcy seek legal advice and representation from a bankruptcy attorney experienced in bankruptcy law and procedure. Only an attorney is authorized to give you legal advice regarding a bankruptcy case or proceeding.
eSR is an online tool to help individuals who live in the Eastern District of Washington complete a chapter 7 bankruptcy petition when they have decided to file bankruptcy without an attorney.
Important Notes:
- 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 filings.
- If you are filing bankruptcy to delay or stop a foreclosure action on your home, it is very important to understand that the use of eSR to submit a bankruptcy petition may delay the filing of your case for several days until the court receives the documents outlined in the confirmation email that are required to complete your filing. An automatic stay is not in effect until a bankruptcy petition is filed and case number assigned.
There is no cost to use eSR. Pay only the chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fee. eSR has a guided step-by-step process that allows you up to 45 days to complete your package and submit. Your personal information is only accessible to you using a unique login and password. eSR is accessible 24 hours a day from any internet-enabled computer. You need a valid email address and internet access. It is recommended that you use the latest version of Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome or Safari for the program, and Adobe Reader (version 8 or higher) to view PDF documents.
Upon submission of the electronic bankruptcy package, the clerk will send you an email confirmation. This confirmation email contains instructions for the submission of the additional required items that are needed before we can file your bankruptcy petition. It is important to understand that your bankruptcy petition is NOT filed unless and until the court receives these required additional items.
Getting Started and using eSR:
Obtain credit counseling from a court-approved credit counseling agency. The law requires credit counseling within 180 days of the petition file date. For a list of approved agencies click here.
- Collect all financial documents before you begin, such as:
- A list of real property (real estate you own), its value, and a mortgage statement showing current loan balance.
- A list of personal property (e.g., household goods, vehicles, jewelry, etc.) you own and their values.
- Names and addresses of all the people to whom you owe money.
- Income documentation such as pay stubs, W-2s, or proof of income from other sources such as social security, disability, etc.
- Create a user profile, login, and password.
- Answer questions about your property, income and debts, and hit submit.
- Complete, sign and send the Statement About Your Social Security Numbers form and all signature pages from the bankruptcy petition (link and additional information included in the confirmation email). Also, if you are not paying the full filing fee, submit to the court either a completed Application to Pay in Installments (Form B103A) or completed Application to Waive the Filing fee (Form B103B), and a copy of a Certification of Credit Counseling.
You may get started using eSR by clicking here.
Additional Steps After eSR Submission
- Payment Advices – The Bankruptcy Code requires the submission of payment advices or other evidence of payment received within 60 days before the date of the filing of the petition. Documentation is not required to open your chapter 7 case; however, it must be provided to the court with a new case filing. Please fill out and submit LF 1007-1 Declaration Regarding Payments along with your payment advices (social security number and bank account information redacted).
- Debtor Education – A second education course (Personal Financial Management) must be completed after the date your chapter 7 case is filed. See approved providers here.
eSR Help
- For technical assistance regarding eSR, please contact the bankruptcy clerk's office at 509-458-5300. Please note, the clerk's office is prohibited from giving legal advice or assisting you in filling out forms.