Bankruptcy Filing Checklist: Kansas City

Everything you need to gather, do, and know -- before, during, and after your bankruptcy case. Print this page for a paper checklist you can mark up.

PHASE 1: BEFORE FILING

Documents to Gather

  • Federal tax returns -- last 2 yearsBoth years are required. If you have not filed, file them first.
  • State tax returns -- last 2 yearsMissouri or Kansas, depending on which side you live on.
  • Pay stubs -- last 6 monthsFrom all employers. If self-employed, profit and loss statements.
  • Bank statements -- last 6 monthsAll accounts: checking, savings, investment, business. Every account at every bank.
  • Vehicle titles and registrationFor every vehicle you own. Include VIN, year, make, model, mileage, and estimated value.
  • Mortgage statement or lease agreementMost recent statement showing balance, monthly payment, interest rate, and arrears (if any).
  • All credit card statementsCurrent statements for every card, even if the balance is zero. Note the creditor name, account number, and balance.
  • All loan statementsCar loans, personal loans, student loans, 401(k) loans, family loans. Include creditor name, balance, monthly payment.
  • Medical billsAll outstanding medical debts. Include provider name, original amount, collection agency (if applicable), and current balance.
  • Court judgments and garnishmentsAny judgments against you, including case numbers. Current garnishment orders with employer.
  • Property valuationsHome value (Zillow estimate or recent appraisal). Vehicle values (NADA or KBB). Estimated value of household goods, electronics, jewelry, tools.
  • Insurance policiesLife insurance (whole life policies have cash value), health, auto, homeowner's/renter's.
  • Retirement account statements401(k), IRA, pension. These are generally protected in bankruptcy but must be listed.
  • Divorce decree or separation agreementIf applicable. Includes support obligations and property division.
  • Child support ordersCurrent orders and any arrears.
  • Prior bankruptcy filingsCase numbers, dates, districts, and outcomes of any prior bankruptcy cases. This affects your eligibility under 1328(f).

Steps Before Filing

  • Complete credit counseling courseMust be from a DOJ-approved agency. Takes 1-2 hours online. Cost: $15-25. Must be completed within 180 days before filing. Keep the certificate.
  • Take the means testDetermines Chapter 7 eligibility based on your income vs. the Missouri or Kansas median. Your attorney will calculate this. meanstest.org
  • File all required tax returnsAll federal and state returns for the past 4 years must be filed. The trustee will check.
  • Stop using credit cardsCharges made shortly before filing can be challenged as fraudulent. Stop all credit use immediately.
  • Do not pay back family membersPayments to insiders within 1 year can be recovered by the trustee. Do not repay family or friends.
  • Do not transfer propertyDo not sell, give away, or transfer any property. The trustee can reverse transfers made within 2 years (or longer for fraud).
  • Do not take on new debtNew debt incurred when you know you are filing can be challenged as non-dischargeable.
  • Get property valuationsCheck NADA for vehicles, Zillow/Redfin for home value. These go on Schedule A/B.
  • List all creditorsEvery person and company you owe money to, including disputed debts. If a creditor is not listed, the debt may not be discharged.
PHASE 2: DURING YOUR CASE

After Filing Through Discharge

  • Attend the 341 meeting of creditorsAbout 30 days after filing. Bring photo ID and Social Security card. Full 341 meeting guide
  • Complete debtor education courseSecond required course (different from pre-filing credit counseling). Takes about 2 hours. Must be done before discharge. Cost: $10-25.
  • Respond to trustee document requestsThe trustee may request additional documents (bank statements, tax returns, appraisals). Respond promptly -- delays can cause problems.
  • Continue paying current obligationsKeep paying mortgage, car payment, utilities, insurance, and child support. The automatic stay does not excuse you from current obligations.
  • Make Chapter 13 plan payments on timeChapter 13 only. First payment due within 30 days of filing. Do not miss payments -- it can result in case dismissal.
  • Maintain insurance on secured propertyKeep insurance current on your home and car. Losing insurance can be grounds for the lender to seek relief from the automatic stay.
  • Do not incur new debt without court permissionChapter 13 filers cannot take on new debt (loans, credit cards) without trustee/court approval.
  • File amended schedules if anything changesNew job, inheritance, tax refund, change of address -- report changes to your attorney for amendment.
  • File all tax returns on timeChapter 13 filers must file all tax returns on time during the plan. Failure to file can result in dismissal.
PHASE 3: AFTER DISCHARGE

Rebuilding and Monitoring

  • Save your discharge order permanentlyKeep both a physical copy and a digital copy. You may need it years from now if a creditor tries to collect on a discharged debt.
  • Check credit reports (60-90 days after discharge)Pull all three reports (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) at annualcreditreport.com. Discharged debts should show $0 balance with a notation of "included in bankruptcy."
  • Dispute credit report errorsIf any discharged debt still shows a balance or "past due" status, file a dispute with the credit bureau. Include a copy of your discharge order.
  • Begin rebuilding creditConsider a secured credit card (you deposit money as collateral). Make small purchases and pay the full balance each month. Credit improvement typically begins within 12-18 months.
  • Create a monthly budgetNow that your debts are eliminated or restructured, build a sustainable budget. Track income and expenses to avoid falling back into debt.
  • Build an emergency fundStart small -- even $500-$1,000 provides a buffer against unexpected expenses that could otherwise force new debt.
  • Monitor for discharge violationsIf any creditor contacts you about a discharged debt, they are violating the discharge injunction (11 U.S.C. section 524). Document the contact and consult an attorney -- you may be entitled to damages.
  • Know your eligibility for future filingA Chapter 7 discharge bars another Chapter 7 for 8 years and another Chapter 13 for 6 years. A Chapter 13 discharge bars another Chapter 13 for 2 years and another Chapter 7 for 6 years. Check at 1328f.com.

Things to avoid before filing:

  • Do not pay back family or friends (preferential transfer -- trustee can claw it back)
  • Do not transfer property to anyone (fraudulent transfer -- trustee can reverse it)
  • Do not use credit cards (recent charges may be non-dischargeable)
  • Do not take cash advances (presumed fraudulent within 70 days)
  • Do not make luxury purchases (presumed non-dischargeable within 90 days)
  • Do not hide assets (federal crime under 18 U.S.C. section 152)

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need to file bankruptcy in Kansas City?

2 years of tax returns, 6 months of pay stubs, 6 months of bank statements, vehicle titles, mortgage/lease statements, all credit card and loan statements, medical bills, court judgments, property valuations, and insurance policies. See the full checklist above.

What steps do I need to complete before filing?

Complete a credit counseling course, gather all documents, take the means test, file all required tax returns, get property valuations, and stop using credit cards and making preferential payments.

What happens during a bankruptcy case?

Attend the 341 meeting, complete the debtor education course, respond to trustee requests, continue making current payments, and (in Chapter 13) make plan payments on time.

What should I do after bankruptcy discharge?

Save your discharge order, check credit reports after 60-90 days, dispute errors, begin rebuilding credit with a secured card, create a budget, build an emergency fund, and monitor for discharge violations.

Do I need to file my tax returns before filing bankruptcy?

Yes. All required federal and state returns for the last 4 years must be filed. The trustee will request copies. Unfiled returns can result in case dismissal.

Can I use credit cards before filing?

Stop using credit cards as soon as you decide to file. Luxury purchases over $800 within 90 days and cash advances over $1,100 within 70 days are presumed fraudulent.

Can I pay back family members before filing?

No. Payments to insiders within one year can be recovered by the trustee as preferential transfers. Do not selectively repay anyone before filing.

What is the means test?

The means test compares your income to the Missouri or Kansas median for your household size. If below, you qualify for Chapter 7. If above, you may still qualify after expense deductions. meanstest.org.

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Related Resources

Filing Timeline 341 Meeting Guide Filing Costs What to Expect Means Test Discharge Screener KC Bankruptcy Guide

Open Bankruptcy Project Network

OBP Home 1328(f) Screener Ch. 7 vs 13 Automatic Stay 341 Meeting Means Test Cost Guide Dismissed? File Again? How to File