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Electronic Self Representation (eSR)

Bankruptcy Petition Preparation System for Individuals Filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Petition Without an Attorney

 
THIS ONLINE TOOL IS FOR SELF-REPRESENTED DEBTORS ONLY
 
Bankruptcy can result in serious long-term financial and legal consequences. Hiring a competent attorney is highly recommended.  An attorney can explain the potential benefits and consequences of filing bankruptcy, explain the options available to you, and guide you through the process.  Although the law allows you to represent yourself, you should be aware that it can be a difficult process.  Bankruptcy law and rules are complex, and errors or inaction may result in negative actions against you.
 
Individuals filing for bankruptcy without an attorney are responsible for knowing and following all of the legal requirements.  Bankruptcy court staff are not permitted to provide legal advice.
 

Information about filing for bankruptcy can be found:

What is eSR?

  • eSR is an online tool to help individuals complete a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition package. It guides you step-by-step through the process, creates most of the forms needed for filing, performs all calculations, and allows you to electronically file the petition package with the court.

Who can use eSR?

  • Individuals filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 case without the assistance of an attorney, including those filing jointly with their spouse, may use eSR.
  • Alaska Resident Requirements
    • An individual using eSR to file for bankruptcy in the District of Alaska must:
      • For 180 days before the filing of the bankruptcy case, or for a longer period during those 180 days than in any place outside of Alaska:
        • Reside in Alaska, OR
        • Have a residence, principal place of business, or their principal assets in Alaska.
  • eSR is not available to attorneys or third-party bankruptcy petition preparers. eSR is not designed for business or corporate bankruptcy filings.
  • Bankruptcy petitions can be submitted for filing on paper if you are ineligible for or choose not to use eSR.  Paper forms can be found on this website on the For Debtors tab.

Why use eSR?

  • Although there is a required filing fee for a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 case, there is no additional cost to use eSR.
  • eSR has a guided, step-by-step process that allows you to prepare and submit your petition package.
  • Your personal information is accessible only to 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.

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 - the latest versions of Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome or Safari are recommended.

How do I file for bankruptcy using eSR?

  • The law requires debtors to complete a credit counseling course BEFORE filing for bankruptcy.  To review a list of court-approved credit counseling agencies, click here.
  • Collect all your financial documents before you begin.  Use these convenient checklists to ensure you have everything needed to file via eSR:
  • Create a user profile, provide an email address (this will also serve as your login ID), and create a password.
  • Answer questions about your property, income and debts.
  • Complete and submit the bankruptcy petition package for filing with the court.  To avoid losing your information you must log into eSR at least once every 45 days until you have submitted the petition to the court.
  • Comply with submitting all required additional documentation and filing fees to the court.

What happens AFTER I submit the eSR packet?

United States Bankruptcy Court
District of Alaska
605 W. 4th Ave., Suite #138
Anchorage, AK 99501
  • The submitted bankruptcy petition will be opened as a bankruptcy proceeding and a case number will be generated AFTER the court receives the required filing fees and orginally signed documents as noted above and in the confirmation email.
  • You can check the status of your case using the automated Multi-Court Voice Case Information System (MVCIS) by calling (866) 222-8029.  
  • Contact the Clerk's Office with any additional questions: (907) 271-2655.  

AN AUTOMATIC STAY (INJUNCTION) IS NOT IN EFFECT UNTIL A BANKRUPTCY CASE NUMBER IS ISSUED BY THE BANKRUPTCY COURT.

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

  • You have the following options for paying your filing fee:
    •  You can pay the filing fee in full by submitting cash in exact change in person at the court filing window, or a cashier’s check or money order, made payable to "Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court" at the time you submit your required documents noted in the above section.  Credit cards and debit cards are not accepted for payment of the filing fees.  DO NOT mail or leave cash in the court's drop box.
    •  You can request that the Court allow the filing fee to be paid in installments by filing an Application for Individuals to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments
    •  If you are filing a Chapter 7 case you may request that the Court waive your filing fee by filing an Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived.

eSR Help

  • For technical assistance regarding eSR, please contact the Bankruptcy Court Clerk's Office at (907) 271-2655. Please note, the Clerk's Office is prohibited from giving legal advice.

eSR Quickstart Guide and Helpful Hints

  • An eSR Quickstart Guide with helpful hints can be found here.
 

STOP:  If you have not completed an approved credit counseling course within the 180 day period preceding the filing of your petition and you do not meet the requirements for an extension to complete the counseling after filing, your case could be dismissed.

 

Getting Started