Case Upload  

This will guide you through the process of opening a bankruptcy case and filing a petition. You must have the petition prepared in PDF format before trying to open a case. CM/ECF will not permit you to open a case without a PDF document, which must include the petition and a copy of the mailing matrix. You should, if at all possible, include in the same PDF document, the schedules, including the summary page, the statement of financial affairs, the Statement of Monthly Income and Means Test and the disclosure statement of debtor's counsel. If the petition is being filed under Chapter 7, the PDF document should also include the statement of intention. Do NOT file a Chapter 13 plan or an application to pay filing fees in installments as part of the PDF document containing the petition. File these documents separately immediately after filing the petition.

1. Select Bankruptcy menu.
2. Select Case Upload.
3. Browse, verify and attach the Debtor Information (TXT file).
   • Complete social security number must be included in the .txt file.
4. Browse, verify and attach the Petition (PDF file).
   • The redacted social security number must appear on the PDF file.
5. Browse, verify and attach the Creditor Matrix (TXT file).
   • Ensure that the creditors display their mailing address.
6. Browse, verify and attach the Chapter 13 (PDF file), if applicable.
7. Browse, verify and attach the Certificate of Credit Counseling for Debtor and Joint Debtor, if applicable (PDF file.)
8. Print the Notice of Electronic Filing if you wish. It's your receipt.

   • Make note of the assigned case number.

   • Note:  You will also need to print out two copies of the Voluntary petition, one to give to your client, and one that must be physically signed by the client and be retained in your files for 5 years. (See Vt.LBR 9011-1 and Vt.LBR 9011-4.) In addition, you will be required to bring this signed copy of the Voluntary Petition with you to the 341 meeting.

9. File Payment Advices with Cover Sheet.

10. If you are filing an Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (Waive Chapter 7 Filing Fee) or to Pay Filing Fees in Installments, do so now.