How Petition Pilot Works
A simple, guided way to prepare your bankruptcy forms — and receive court-formatted PDFs by email.
Petition Pilot walks you through every required bankruptcy form using clear, plain-English questions. As you complete each form or schedule, a court-formatted PDF is automatically emailed to you, ready to print, sign, and file.
✓ No legal jargon.
✓ No confusing instructions.
✓ No guessing what the court is asking for.
Affordable and Easy Bankruptcy Paperwork Using Petition Pilot
Get a quick walkthrough of using Petition Pilot when bankruptcy feels unaffordable. Take the first step toward a fresh start.
The Full Process
1. Create a Secure Account
Create a protected user profile at PetitionPilot.app.
Your information is encrypted and accessible only to you.
2. Select Chapter 7 or Chapter 13
Choose the chapter you are filing. Petition Pilot automatically loads the correct forms, including:
- • B101 – Voluntary Petition
- • Schedules A/B, C, D, E/F, G, H
- • Schedules I & J
- • Statement of Financial Affairs (SOFA)
- • Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Means Test forms
- • Any district-specific forms you select
Each completed form triggers an instant PDF email.
3. Answer Straightforward, Guided Questions
Every question mirrors the official bankruptcy forms — rewritten in plain English.
✓ No legal terminology
✓ No form-guessing
✓ Just guided inputs that populate the official court formatting
4. Complete One Form at a Time — Receive PDFs by Email
After finishing a form or schedule, select "Email PDF." Petition Pilot sends you:
✔ Properly formatted court PDF
✔ Ready-to-print
✔ Ready-to-sign
✔ Ready-to-file with the clerk of court
You receive updated PDFs after every form, so your documents are always current.
5. Return Anytime
You can stop and resume whenever you like. All progress is saved, and you may regenerate updated PDFs at any time.
6. Automatic Checks for Common Errors
Petition Pilot helps reduce common filing mistakes by checking for:
- • Missing totals
- • Mismatched numbers
- • Required entries
- • Possible inconsistencies
These checks help reduce the risk of paperwork being rejected by the clerk.
7. Print and File at the Bankruptcy Court
Petition Pilot does not support electronic filing. The federal bankruptcy filing system is generally configured to provide electronic filing access to attorney users, not to individuals filing on their own.
Once your PDFs are generated:
✔ Print the documents
✔ Sign where indicated
✔ Bring them to the bankruptcy clerk's office
✔ Pay the filing fee or request a fee waiver
Petition Pilot provides a basic filing checklist so you know exactly what to bring.
Filing at Your Local Bankruptcy Court
Locate Your Local Bankruptcy Court Clerk's Office
After your forms are prepared, you must file them at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court that serves your geographic area.
To find the correct court and clerk's office:
Visit the official United States Courts – Bankruptcy Courts Locator:
https://www.uscourts.gov/court-locatorSelect "Bankruptcy Court" and enter your state or ZIP code to identify:
- • The correct bankruptcy district
- • The courthouse location(s)
- • The clerk's office contact information
Each court's website provides:
- • Physical filing addresses
- • Clerk's office hours
- • Filing fee information
- • Accepted payment methods
- • Local rules and procedures
You can access your court's official website directly from the U.S. Courts directory:
https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/court-role-and-structure/court-website-linksImportant Notes for Filing
- • Bankruptcy courts operate within federal judicial districts, not county courts.
- • Some districts have multiple courthouse locations; the clerk's office website will indicate where filings are accepted.
- • Local rules may vary slightly by district, so reviewing your court's website before filing is strongly recommended.
- • Petition Pilot provides a basic filing checklist, but the clerk's office can answer procedural questions only (not legal advice).
Helpful Federal Resources
U.S. Courts – Bankruptcy Basics
https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-basicsU.S. Courts – Filing Without an Attorney
https://www.uscourts.gov/court-programs/bankruptcy/filing-without-attorneyThese resources explain what to expect when filing on your own and what documents the court typically requires.
Once you've identified your local bankruptcy court, bring your printed and signed forms to the clerk's office for filing.
Documents You Will Need (Petition & Trustee Requirements)
Most bankruptcy cases require you to gather and provide the following documents. Petition Pilot will prompt you for the information, but you should have copies available:
Commonly Required Documents
- • Last 2 years of federal tax returns
- • Recent pay stubs or proof of income
- • Bank statements (typically last 2–6 months)
- • Retirement account statements (401(k), IRA, pension)
- • Investment account statements
- • Vehicle titles and loan statements
- • Mortgage statements or lease agreements
- • Credit card and loan statements
- • Proof of insurance (auto, home, renters)
- • Any lawsuits, judgments, or garnishments
- • Child support or alimony orders (if applicable)
Trustee Requests May Vary
The bankruptcy trustee may request additional documents depending on your case and district.
Why Petition Pilot Works So Well
✓ Court-formatted PDFs emailed instantly
✓ Covers all required Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 forms
✓ Easy, guided interview process
✓ No subscriptions or surprise fees
✓ Designed specifically for pro se filers
✓ Affordable, accurate, and user-friendly
✓ Works on mobile and desktop
✓ No attorney required to use the software
Important Disclaimer
Petition Pilot is a document automation and preparation platform. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
For legal questions or strategy, consult an attorney.
All filings must be submitted in person at the bankruptcy clerk's office; pro se electronic filing is not permitted in any district.