You are here

Electronic Self-Representation (eSR)

Electronic Self-Representation (eSR)

Bankruptcy Petition Preparation System For Chapter 7 Cases 

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.  The Bankruptcy Court is not permitted to provide legal advice.  Individuals filing for bankruptcy without an attorney are still responsible for knowing and following all the legal requirements. If you decide to proceed without a lawyer, please visit the Filing Without an Attorney page for helpful information. 
 
If you are filing bankruptcy to delay or stop a foreclosure action on your home or for some other emergency purpose, it is very important for you to understand that eSR may delay the filing of your case for several days until the Court receives the additional items required to complete your filing.
 
 
What is eSR?
  • eSR is an online tool to help individuals complete a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition when they have decided to file bankruptcy without an attorney.  Debtors can prepare their bankruptcy petition, schedules, and statements and then electronically submit the forms to the bankruptcy court. Once presented with the required forms and filing fee (if applicable), the bankruptcy court can then electronically open the case.

Who can use eSR?

  • Individuals who wish to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition and who live in the District of Arizona.
  • eSR is not available to attorneys or bankruptcy petition preparers.
  • eSR is not designed for business or corporate bankruptcy filings. 

Why use eSR?

  • There is no cost to use eSR. Pay only the bankruptcy filing fee.
  • eSR has a guided, step-by-step process that allows you up to 45 days to complete.
  • 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

  • Internet connection
  • Adobe Reader (version 8 or higher)
  • Pop-up blocker must be disabled
  • Printer
  • Browser requirements - it is recommended that you use the latest version of Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome or Safari

How do I use eSR?

  • Obtain credit counseling from a court-approved credit counseling agency. The law requires credit counseling before filing bankruptcy.
  • Collect all your 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, provide an email address (this will also serve as your login ID), and create a password on the eSR system home page.
  • Answer questions about your property, income and debts.  Note: You have 45 days to complete the eSR petition. If you do not think you will finish within 45 days, it is recommended to print out a copy of your work for future reference.
  • Complete and sign the eSR Declaration form after submitting petition. 
  • Hand-deliver or mail the Declaration, Statement of Social Security, bankruptcy filing fee (or Application for Waiver and/or Fee Installment), and other required documents identified in the confirmation email to the bankruptcy court.
  • The automatic stay (injunction) is NOT in effect until a bankruptcy case number is issued by the bankruptcy court.
  • Important Notes:
    • eSR only allows a one-time submission. Any schedules or statements not completed at the time the eSR package is submitted cannot be completed later using eSR. All subsequent pleadings and amendments must be filed on paper and hand-delivered or mailed to the bankruptcy court.
    • If you are filing bankruptcy to delay or stop a foreclosure action on your home, it is very important for you to understand that the submission of a Bankruptcy Package does not mean that your case has been filed. You will not receive a case number until the Bankruptcy Court receives the additional items above which are required to complete your filing.

How do I access eSR?

  • You may get started using eSR by clicking here.

eSR Resources