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Electronic Self-Representation

Electronic Self-Representation (eSR) Bankruptcy Petition Preparation System for Chapter 7 and 13

THIS ONLINE TOOL IS FOR PRO SE DEBTORS ONLY

Bankruptcy is a specialized, complex area of the law.  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 responsible for knowing and following all legal requirements.

What is eSR?

  • eSR is an online tool to help individuals complete a chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy petition when they have decided to file bankruptcy without an attorney.

Who can use eSR?

  • Individuals who wish to file a chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy petition and who live in the Western District of Oklahoma can use eSR. To determine if you can use eSR, enter your residential ZIP code in the ZIP Code Search once logged into eSR.
    • Important Note:  eSR is intended for use exclusively by self-represented individual filings only.  eSR is not designed for business or corporate bankruptcy filings. eSR is NOT for use by attorneys, bankruptcy petition preparers or for self-represented filers to prepare cases with the assistance of an attorney or bankruptcy petition preparer. 

Why use eSR?

  • There is no cost to use eSR. Pay only the chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fee of $338.00 or the chapter 13 bankruptcy filing fee of $313.00.
  • eSR has a guided, step-by-step process that allows you up to 45 days to complete your package and submit.
  • Your personal information is accessible to only 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.

How do I use eSR?

  • Obtain credit counseling from an Oklahoma Western District Bankruptcy court-approved credit counseling agency. The law requires credit counseling before filing bankruptcy.
  • Collect all of your financial documents before you begin.
  • Create a user profile, unique login, and password.
  • Answer questions about your property, income and debts and submit package.

IMPORTANT NOTES

An automatic stay (injunction) is NOT in effect until a bankruptcy case number is issued by the bankruptcy court.

A bankruptcy petition is NOT considered “filed” (and does not receive a case number) until all of the below listed documents are received and processed by the court. Please note that the confirmation email that your eSR package has been submitted does not constitute filing. Documents must still be provided to the Court before filing commences.

eSR allows a one-time submission only. Any schedules or statements not completed at the time the eSR package is submitted cannot be completed later using eSR. All subsequent documents and amendments to documents must be filed in paper via mail or drop off at the Court Clerk’s office: 215 Dean A McGee Ave, Ste 147, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 or by using our EDSS system.

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 "Electronic Submission of a Bankruptcy Package" may delay the filing of your case for several days until the court receives the additional items above required to complete your filing.

Additional Steps After eSR Submission

  • Once you submit your eSR package you will have fourteen (14) days to complete the filing process. You must deliver in person, by U.S. mail, use our Electronic document submission system or overnight carrier these additional items:

Your case will be officially filed on the date the court receives provision for payment and the signed declaration regarding electronic filing.

 

  • Please be aware that when filing a Chapter 13 case, a completed and signed Chapter 13 Plan must be filed with the Voluntary Petition or within 14 days.  If the Chapter 13 Plan is not filed contemporaneously with the Voluntary Petition, a certificate of service must also be filed (See, Local Rule 3015-1.A.).
  • Pay stubs - The Bankruptcy Code requires the submission of pay stubs or other payment advices or other evidence of payment received. Within fourteen (14) days of filing a bankruptcy petition each individual debtor shall file a "Pay Advice Cover Sheet" (Local Form 2), together with copies of all payment advices or other evidence of payment received from the debtor's employer within sixty (60) days before the date the debtor filed his/her bankruptcy case. If a debtor has no income or has only social security or other retirement income, the debtor may submit with the Payment Advice Cover Sheet an affidavit stating such facts.  Hand deliver, mail, or submit pay stubs and Pay Advice Cover Sheet via EDSS. 
  • Debtor Education - A second education course, called the financial management course, must be completed after the date your Chapter 7 case is opened and the certification must be filed with court before a discharge can be granted.  Hand deliver, mail, or submit this certificate via EDSS.    

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 Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Chrome or Safari.

eSR Help

  • For technical assistance regarding eSR, please contact the bankruptcy clerk's office at 405-609-5700 or by email at trainers@okwb.uscourts.gov. The clerk's office is prohibited from giving legal advice.