Questions for paperwork filing Pro Se--- Need your help

[freedomnow]

A few more questions:
I am filing pro se.
1. Am I suppose to put my rental agreement for my apartment on Schedule G? Not sure.
2. Do I or can I put past due utilities on my Schedule F?
3. Is there a document to fill out if you are unemployed and do not have pay stubs?
4.On the Statement of Financial Affairs #9 ( Payments related to debt counseling or bankruptcy) Do I list the pre-bankruptcy counseling that is required on the sheet?
I asked this question before and wanted to see if anyone else had any information. 5. If I do not have to file taxes either because of no income or low income, should I get them done, have my tax preparer write a letter and have it notarized, or is there a form that I can get and fill out?

Thanks in advance
Have a great weekend!

[jennordhavn]

1. Am I suppose to put my rental agreement for my apartment on Schedule G? Yes. Make sure you mark that you want to assume it (if you do). Also list any security deposit as an asset and exempt it if you can.
2. Do I or can I put past due utilities on my Schedule F? You can, however, if you have existing service with the companies, they will probably require deposits to continue service.
3. Is there a document to fill out if you are unemployed and do not have pay stubs? Not sure.
4.On the Statement of Financial Affairs #9 ( Payments related to debt counseling or bankruptcy) Do I list the pre-bankruptcy counseling that is required on the sheet? Yes, I believe so.

[justbroke]

1. Am I suppose to put my rental agreement for my apartment on Schedule G? Not sure.

Yes. I wouldn't, however, put your landlord on your Creditor Matrix, unless you are filing because you owe back rent or are about to get evicted for payment reasons.

2. Do I or can I put past due utilities on my Schedule F?

You can... if you want to have them discharged. However, and this is why many will say just use an attorney for a Chapter 13, you need to understand what will happen if you list a utility company. First, they will close your account and setup a new account. Your service will continue. First, they can use your existing deposit, if there is one, to "setoff" the balance owed at the time of filing. Second, they can impose, and most likely will, a new deposit amount. This has to generally be paid within 20 days of notice. Most companies are a little flexible and understand you just filed bankruptcy, and may allow you 30-60 days to pay it (if you ask).

3. Is there a document to fill out if you are unemployed and do not have pay stubs?

Call the Clerk's office and ask the Case Management Supervisor. You will need to show proof of income. You must provide any pay stubs, even if you don't have them, if you earned income from a W-2 employer within the last 60 days (period). No exceptions.

4.On the Statement of Financial Affairs #9 ( Payments related to debt counseling or bankruptcy) Do I list the pre-bankruptcy counseling that is required on the sheet?
I asked this question before and wanted to see if anyone else had any information.

No, on listing that payment. This "debt counseling" paymnet question is related to real "debt counseling". Not "debt education".

However, you also must attach a copy of the certificate from the class you took. That certificate must be dated within 160 days of filing or your case will be dismissed. Failure to file the certificate, will also get your case dismissed. There is also a certification to sign related to the class.

5. If I do not have to file taxes either because of no income or low income, should I get them done, have my tax preparer write a letter and have it notarized, or is there a form that I can get and fill out?

If you own a business, then you need to file a tax return regardless of "low income". This is why most small business owner's should get a tax accountant to do their taxes. Even when you have no income, that loss (or losses) are called Net Operating Losses and can be carried forward or backwards on tax returns for years.

As a pro se filer, I hope that you at least have one of the NoLo books on Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. I also hope that you get a program that completes the forms.

I also hope that you don't have complex situations, equity in real property, 2nd mortgages, or anything else other than a straight no-asset Chapter 13.

[freedomnow]

Thanks for taking the time to respond. You were very clear. I am filing Pro Se Chapter 7.
I will not list the utilities thanks.
I was concerned about my land lord finding out so thanks for telling me not to list them on the creditor's matrix.
I earned no income and am not receiving unemployment or any income other than child support.
My child support is not earned income so I checked and the tax preparer said I do not have to file but I told her I need a paper trail.

I do have the Nolo chapter 7 book and thanks again.