The resources provided on this web page are designed to assist those proceeding in bankruptcy court without an attorney (pro se). When filing a bankruptcy case, it is important that you follow all applicable local and federal bankruptcy rules. You can obtain information about the bankruptcy process and requirements, as well as how to obtain legal assistance, by the resources provided below. If you are considering filing bankruptcy or have already done so, you may also wish to consult the Court’s Frequently Asked Questions webpage for additional information.

If you filed a bankruptcy case without an attorney, please take a moment to complete this survey designed to improve customer service to parties filing without an attorney. You may access this survey by clicking on this link.

	Bankruptcy Basics Video Presentation for Pro Se Filers

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• Information about free Legal Assistance
• • If you need free legal assistance to file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you may contact South Carolina Legal Services at 1-888-346-5592 for legal services and reference that you are considering filing bankruptcy (or have already done so). South Carolina Legal Services determines if you are eligible for legal services based upon federally established poverty guidelines. Only eligible applicants are referred for representation by Legal Services or by the South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program. Additional information may be found on the South Carolina Legal Services' website at http://www.sclegal.org/.

• Information about How to Find an Attorney
• • Filing bankruptcy, and complying with the related requirements, can be very complicated. It is best to consult an attorney experienced in bankruptcy for assistance. If you are not eligible for free legal representation, or are searching for an attorney in your area, please call the South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 803-799-7100 (in Columbia) or 1-800-868-2284 (outside Columbia). The service can provide the name of a lawyer who handles your type of case. The lawyer may charge a minimal fee (approximately $50.00) for a one-half hour consultation. A fee agreement for further representation would then be negotiated. You may also contact the Court at 803-765-5436 for assistance in obtaining legal counsel.
  
  

• Important Resources & Information
• • Bankruptcy Basics
  
  
  
  • Bankruptcy Basics - basic information For cases filed on or after October 17, 2005
  
  
  
  • Bankruptcy Basics - basic information For cases filed before October 17, 2005
  
  
  
  • Filing Requirements and Checklists
  
  
  
  • Chapter 7 - Filing Requirements Checklist
  
  
  
  • Chapter 11 - Filing Requirement Checklist
  
  
  
  • Chapter 13 - Filing Requirement Checklist
  
  
  
  • List of Creditor Guidelines - CD Filing or Conventional Filing
  
  
  
  • For conventional (paper) filings by parties without legal representation or otherwise approved pursuant to the Guidelines for the Filing of Documents, if a stamped copy is needed to acknowledge the filing of an action with the Court, i.e., “Original Filed,” one copy must be provided with the original at the time of filing for this purpose. If the filing is via U.S. Postal Service or other mail delivery service, a metered or self-addressed, stamped envelope, large enough to accommodate the return copy, must also be provided. (Note: Only one copy will be stamped.)
    
    Paper Documents should be letter size 8 ½ X 11 only. No letter should be closer than 1 inch from any edge of the paper.
  
  
  
  • Credit Counseling and Financial Management
  
  
  
  • Link to Information regarding Approved Credit Counseling Agencies.
  
  
  
  • Credit Counseling - "Request for Exemption" Certification of Non-Compliance with 11 U.S.C. § 109(h)(1)
  
  
  
  • Credit Counseling - "Inability to Complete" Pre-Petition Credit Counseling - due to incapacity, disability or active military duty per 11 U.S.C. § 109(h)(4)
  
  
  
  • Link to Information regarding approved Financial Management Course Providers.
  
  
  
  • Link to Information regarding Means Testing
  
  
  
  • Poverty Guidelines 2008 (as posted on www.uscourts.gov)
  
  
  
  • Reaffirmation Agreements- Debtor Information Packet
  
  
  
  • United States Bankruptcy Court District of South Carolina Local Rules.
  
  
  
  • Chapter 13 Plan, Related Motions & Exhibits to SC LBR 3015-1
  
  
  
  • Chapter 13 Plan, Related Motions & Exhibits to SC LBR 3015-1 implementation date January 1, 2009
  
  
  
  • Link to Information regarding Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005
  
  
  
  • Redaction of Privacy Information
  
  
  

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