Step 1. What to File. File with the Bankruptcy Court the complete packet of the applicable papers, including your certificate of Credit Counseling (Step 3 of Before You File). To start a case, you must at least complete and file:
- The Voluntary Petition and
- Form B121; and
- A list with the names and addresses of your creditors (see matrix requirements).
- Click here for Instructions for completing Bankruptcy Forms for Individuals (pdf).
Read all documents before you file them with the Court to ensure accuracy. Your signature on many of the documents constitutes a certification under penalty of perjury that the information on the document is true and correct to the best of you knowledge.
Step 2. Where to File. You can file by mailing or delivering the required forms to 111 7th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401 or 320 6th Street, Sioux City IA 51101. If you file by coming to either courthouse, you will need a photo id to enter the building (see guidance).
Step 3. Pay the Fee. A fee is required to start a bankruptcy case. The Clerk’s Office accepts cash, in the exact amount of the fee, certified check, or a money order at either office. To satisfy the fee requirement, do one of the following:
- Review the Schedule of Fees on the Court’s website to learn the amount that you owe for your type of case chapter. Bring or mail the fee to the Court’s location in Cedar Rapids or Sioux City.
- If you are unable to pay the full fee at the time of filing, you can file an Application for Individuals to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments. Review Payment Options for further information.
- If you are filing a chapter 7 case, you can file an Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived but only if you are unable to pay any filing fee and if your income falls below certain Poverty Guidelines. For more information, review Payment Options.