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

WARNING: If you are filing bankruptcy to delay or stop a foreclosure action on your home (or for some other emergency purpose), this system may not be the best option for you.  It is very important for you to understand that submitting a petition package using eSR may delay the filing of your case for several days until the court receives the additional items (see below) required to complete your filing.

Filing Fee

All new bankruptcy petitions must be accompanied by the filing fee, or Application for Individuals to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments (Official Form 103A), or Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived (Official Form 103B) (Chapter 7 only).  The Court will accept payment by U.S. Postal Service money orders and cashier’s checks issued by an acceptable financial institution. Please do not mail cash for the filing fee.

Official Time of Filing

The official time of filing is when a document is entered and docketed in CM/ECF,  regardless of the filing method (in person, through eSR or Electronic Document Submission Systems (EDSS), or placed in the drop boxes located in the lobby of each courthouse). Click here for locations of courthouses.

THIS ONLINE TOOL IS FOR SELF-REPRESENTED DEBTORS ONLY

Bankruptcy has serious long-term financial and legal consequences and 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 still 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.
  • eSR asks the user a series of questions and uses the entered data to automatically fill the official forms.  After each section is completed, the forms are available for viewing by the user.

Who can use eSR?

  • Individuals who live in the Central District of Illinois filing a Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy petition.  
  • eSR is not available to attorneys or bankruptcy petition preparers. 
  • eSR is not designed for business or corporate bankruptcy filings.

Why use eSR?

  • eSR is accessible 24 hours a day from any Internet-enabled computer.
  • There is no software to download or purchase.
  • eSR has a guided, step-by-step process that allows you at least 45 days to complete. Your personal information is only accessible to you using a unique login and password assigned to you.
  • Although you must pay the required filing fee for a Chapter 7 or 13 case, there is no additional fee to use eSR.

eSR Computer Requirements

  • A computer or tablet with an Internet connection.

           Note: eSR will NOT work from a smart phone.

  • 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.

How do I use eSR?

  • The law requires debtors to complete credit counseling BEFORE filing a bankruptcy petition. To obtain credit counseling from an approved counseling agency for the Central District of Illinois, click here.
  • Assemble all your financial documents before you begin.
  • Review the following:
  • See the flowchart on How to Prepare a Petition Using eSR here.
  • Create a user profile, provide an email address which will serve as your login ID, and create a password for eSR.
  • Using eSR, answer questions about your property, income and debts, and submit the package.

Do I have to pay my entire filing fee when I submit my package?

What happens AFTER I submit the eSR package?

How do I submit my documents?

                      Springfield
                      US Bankruptcy Court 
                      600 E. Monroe Street
                      Room 226
                      Springfield, IL 62701

                      Peoria
                      100 N.E. Monroe Street
                      Room 216
                      Peoria, IL 61602

                      Urbana
                      201 S. Vine Street
                      Room 203
                      Urbana, IL 6180

Note: A bankruptcy petition is NOT considered filed (and is not assigned case number) until the above-listed documents are received and processed by the court. Please note the confirmation email indicating that your eSR package has been submitted does NOT constitute filing. A Notice of Bankruptcy Case Filing will be provided to you when the case has been officially filed and assigned a case number.

Can I make any changes after I submit my package?

Note: eSR only allows a one-time submission. Only sections with information entered will be submitted. Any schedules or statements not completed at the time the eSR package is submitted cannot be completed later using eSR. All subsequent pleadings and amendments to pleadings must be filed in person, by mail or by using Electronic Document Submission System (EDSS) to submit documents electronically. Adding additional creditors may be subject to a filing fee.

  • If you need to make changes, AFTER you receive a confirmation number but BEFORE your bankruptcy petition is officially filed:
    • Log back into the Electronic Self-Representation website by clicking here.  
    • Click on Continue a Petition Package Tab and login.
    • Click on drop down #6: Petition Package on the left side panel. Then click on the Review and Submit link.
    • Click on the checkbox at the bottom of the page “To restore this petition and make it available for changes…”. 
    • Click on Restore Package button.
  • If you need to make changes AFTER your bankruptcy petition is officially filed, refer to FAQs for Pro se Debtors - How do I correct information or add information to my case?

Note: eSR only allows a one-time submission. Only sections with information entered will be submitted. Any schedules or statements not completed at the time the eSR package is submitted cannot be completed later using eSR. All subsequent pleadings and amendments to pleadings must be filed in person, by mail or by using Electronic Document Submission System (EDSS) to submit documents electronically. Adding additional creditors may be subject to a filing fee.

What happens after I receive a case number?

  • You should receive notices in the mail from the court:
    • Order Requiring Missing Documents (if all sections of eSR not completed or other items missing)
    • Notice of Bankruptcy Case
    • Notice re: Financial Management/Debtor Education Requirement
    • Notice Requiring Domestic Support Obligation Certification (Chapter 13 only)
  • To receive these and other notices from the court electronically, see Debtor Electronic Bankruptcy Notices (DeBN) for additional information.

eSR Help

To see Frequently Asked Questions for Filing Without an Attorney, click here.
To see tips for using eSR, click here.

Start Online Petition

DISCLAIMER: The use of eSR requires basic computer skills and the Court cannot help you use your own equipment. Technical assistance is limited to confirming the eSR system is operational and directing you to available resources on our website. Please note that the Clerk's Office is prohibited from giving legal advice or assisting you with the preparation of forms.