Opening a Case Ch. 11 (involuntary)

STEP 1          Click on Bankruptcy

STEP 2          Click on BK Case Opening-Involuntary

STEP 3          Select 11 from the drop down box marked Chapter; click [NEXT]

STEP 4          Enter the appropriate information for the Debtor in the screen labeled Search for a Debtor; click [search]

STEP 5          If there was a previous filing, the Search for a Debtor function may yield their personal information. If a search yields the correct personal information for the Debtor, select the Debtor’s name and personal information from the box.  If the Debtor has not filed with the court before and a search did not yield the Debtor’s name or the Debtor's previous information does not match exactly; click [Create New Party]

STEP 6           Enter the Debtor’s personal information in the appropriate boxes on the Debtor Information page.

STEP 7          Enter the appropriate information for Petitioning Creditor in the screen labeled Search for a Petitioning Creditor; click [search]

STEP 8          If the Creditor has filed with the court before, the Search for a Petitioning Creditor function may yield their personal information. If a search yields the correct personal information for the petitioning Creditor, select their name and personal information from the box.  If the Creditor has not filed with the court before and a search did not yield their name; click [Create New Party]

STEP 9          Enter the petitioning creditor’s personal information in the appropriate boxes on the Petitioning Creditor Information page. You may add multiple Creditors. Once you have added all the Creditors you wish to add; click [End Petitioning Creditor Selection]

Note - If the Creditor you are filing for is known under any Alias please click [Alias...] and enter any Alias that Creditor was known by.

Place a check in the box next to the following: THE USER OPENING THE CASE IS THE FILING ATTORNEY FOR THIS PARTY

STEP 10        Screen will display what Divisional Office is set for based upon the Debtor’s zip code that was entered in the previous screen; click [Next]                       

STEP 11        Complete the following fields

  • Small Business yes or no
  • Select appropriate check boxes next to A plan is being filed with this petition and Acceptances of the plan were solicited preparation,
  • Select Nature of Debt from the drop down box,
  • Select the appropriate radio button selection listed under Type of Debtor and Nature of Business; click [NEXT]

STEP 12        Fee Amount will display; click [NEXT]

STEP 13        Upload official form B5: Involuntary Petition in .pdf format; click [NEXT]

STEP 14        Click [NEXT]

STEP 15        Docket text displays.  Review for accuracy.  If modification is necessary, abort the transaction and begin again.  Modifications cannot be made on this screen.

                   SAMPLE DOCKET TEXT

                   Chapter 11 Involuntary Petition Filed by Petitioning Creditor(s) [names]

STEP 16       Summary of Charges screen will display.  Select Pay Now or Continue Filing.  DO NOT close this window by clicking on the X in the upper right corner.

1.  If you select Pay Now, be sure to print for your records the payment confirmation screen which contains a receipt number for this transaction.

2.  If you select Continue Filing, please note it is the court's policy that all fees be paid by the end of the day.  Attorneys with outstanding balances will receive an automated e:mail reminder and will be locked out of CM/ECF if the fee remains outstanding for 3 days.

STEP 17        Notice of Electronic Filing displays.