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 of the legal requirements. Low or no cost legal resources are available in all divisions of the bankruptcy court. For additional information on hiring an attorney, click here
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 bankruptcy petition and who live in the Eastern District of Louisiana can use eSR.
- Important Note: eSR is not available to attorneys or bankruptcy petition preparers. eSR is not designed for business or corporate bankruptcy filings. eSR is only available for individual chapter 7 and chapter 13 filings.
Why use eSR?
- There is no cost to use eSR. Pay only the filing fee.
- eSR has a guided, step-by-step process that allows you up to 45 days to complete.
- Your personal information is only accessible 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.
How do I file for bankruptcy using eSR?
- Obtain credit counseling from a court-approved credit counseling agency. The law requires credit counseling before filing bankruptcy.
- Collect all of your financial documents before you begin. (Checklists: Chapter 7, Chapter 13)
- Create a user profile, provide an email address (this will also serve as your login ID), and create a password for eSR.
- Using eSR, answer questions about your property, income and debts.
- Complete and sign the eSR declaration and Social Security Statement. These forms MUST be completed and mailed to the court to complete your filing.
- Submit or mail a Declaration form, Statement of Social Security Number, creditor mailing list, and filing fee to the bankruptcy court.
- Submit to:
- United States Bankkruptcy Court, EDLA
500 Poydras Street, Room B-601
New Orleans LA, 70130
- United States Bankkruptcy Court, EDLA
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Note: An automatic stay (injunction) is NOT in effect until a bankruptcy case number is issued by the bankruptcy court.
- Note: A bankruptcy petition WILL BE DISMISSED if the Declaration Form, the Statement of Social Security Number, the creditor mailing list, and the filing fee are NOT received by the court within 10 days.
- Submit to:
What happens AFTER I submit the eSR packet?
- You will recieve a notice regarding information about your 341 meeting of creditors. You MUST attend the 341 meeting, as instructed.
- 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: (504) 589-7878. Note: Employees of the Clerk's office are NOT attorneys and are therefore restricted from offering ANY legal advice.
eSR Computer Requirements
- A computer or iPad 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, Internet Explorer, Chrome or Safari.
How do I access eSR?
- You can get started using eSR here: Louisana Eastern Bankruptcy, eSR Access
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 a money order, made payable to "Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court" at the time you submit your signature pages and the additional items required to complete your filing.
- You can request that the court allow the filing fee to be paid in installments by filing an Application to Pay Filing Fee in Installments. If approved, you can make up to four (4) payments. The final payment must be made within 120 days after your petition is filed. Within 10 days of the filing of the case, a payment of at least $75 is due. You can pay the installments by submitting a money order, made payable to “Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court”.
- If you are filing a Chapter 7 case you may request that the court waive your filing fee by filing an Application For Waiver of Chapter 7 Filing Fee. By law, the judge may only waive the filing fee if your income is less than 150 percent of the official poverty line for the size of your family and if you are unable to pay the fee in installments.