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Personal bankruptcy questionnaire

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L A W O F F I C E S O F
Wendy Turner Lewis, PLLC
Detroit, Michigan  |  313.832.5555  |  
Personal Bankruptcy Questionnaire
C H A P T E R 7   ·   I N D I V I D U A L & J O I N T F I L E R S
United States Bankruptcy Court  ·  Eastern District of Michigan
C O N F I D E N T I A L — A T T O R N E Y – C L I E N T P R I V I L E G E D
www.wendyturnerlewis.com
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Please read this !rst
Thank you for trusting the Law Offices of Wendy Turner Lewis, PLLC. This
questionnaire gathers what we need to prepare your Chapter 7 petition,
schedules, and Statement of Financial Affairs. Everything you write here
is reproduced in documents you sign under penalty of perjury, so please
be accurate and complete — list all of your assets and all of your
liabilities.
Bankruptcy Information Sheet. Federal law requires us to give every
individual filer the Bankruptcy Information Sheet prepared by the U.S.
Department of Justice, which explains the bankruptcy chapters and your
rights. A copy is included with this packet — please review it and check
the box in Section 6 confirming you received it.
Credit counseling — before filing. You must complete an approved
credit-counseling briefing from a court-approved agency within the 180
days before your case is filed. You will receive a certificate we must file
with the court.
Debtor education — after filing. After your case is filed, you must
complete a second approved course — a financial management (debtor
education) course — and file its certificate before the court will grant
your discharge. Both courses are required.
The 8-year rule. You generally cannot receive a Chapter 7 discharge if you
already received one in a Chapter 7 case filed within the last 8 years
(measured filing date to filing date). Tell us about any prior filing in
Section 5.
Your taxes must be filed. Your required federal and state tax returns
must be filed and current, and you must provide your last 2 years of
returns. The trustee requires your most recently filed return before your
341 meeting.
Answer every item. If something does not apply, write “None” or “N/A” —
do not leave blanks. Attach extra sheets if you need more room.
This form is confidential attorney work product. Completing it helps us serve
you; it does not by itself create representation, which begins only under a
signed engagement agreement with the firm.
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1
Debtor Information
FULL LEGAL NAME (FIRST, MIDDLE, LAST, SUFFIX)
OTHER NAMES USED IN THE LAST 8 YEARS maiden, former, married, DBA
LAST 4 OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
DATE OF BIRTH
HOME STREET ADDRESS (CITY, STATE, ZIP, COUNTY)
MAILING ADDRESS (IF DIFFERENT)
HOW LONG AT THIS ADDRESS?
MARITAL STATUS
Enter your exact legal name and every other name you have used in the
last 8 years (maiden, former, married, or business names). For your
protection, list only the last four digits of your Social Security number
here — gather your Social Security card so we can verify the full number
securely.
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HOME PHONE
CELL PHONE
EMAIL
PRIOR ADDRESSES IN THE LAST 3 YEARS
2
Spouse / Joint Debtor
A married couple may file jointly in one case. Even if only one spouse
files, we generally must still account for the other spouse’s income.
Complete this if you are married, whether or not your spouse is filing.
ARE YOU FILING JOINTLY WITH YOUR SPOUSE? Yes / No — spouse not filing / Not
married
SPOUSE FULL LEGAL NAME
SPOUSE OTHER NAMES (LAST 8 YEARS)
SPOUSE LAST 4 OF SSN
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SPOUSE DATE OF BIRTH
SPOUSE EMPLOYER / OCCUPATION
SPOUSE PHONE / EMAIL
3
Household & Dependents
Your household size affects the means test and your budget. List everyone
who lives in your home and everyone you support financially.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD
DO YOU SUPPORT ANYONE OUTSIDE YOUR HOME?
DEPENDENT NAME
RELATIONSHIP
AGE
LIVES WITH
YOU?
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4
Self-Employment & Business Interests
If you own or owned a business, are self-employed, or have business
debts you are personally responsible for, tell us here. Otherwise write
“None.”
BUSINESS / DBA NAME
TYPE & YOUR ROLE (OWNER %, OFFICER, MEMBER)
EIN (IF ANY)
STILL OPERATING? IF CLOSED, DATE CLOSED
NATURE OF THE BUSINESS
BUSINESS ASSETS YOU OWN (EQUIPMENT, INVENTORY, RECEIVABLES) — WITH
VALUES
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5
Prior Bankruptcy Filings & the 8-Year Rule
List every bankruptcy you (or your spouse) filed in the last 8 years.
Remember: a prior Chapter 7 discharge within 8 years can bar a new
Chapter 7 discharge, so this is important.
Have you or your spouse filed bankruptcy before?
Yes
No
WHO FILED
CHAPTER
CASE
NUMBER
DISTRICT
FILING
DATE
DISCHARGED
/
DISMISSED?
6
Bankruptcy Information Sheet & Required
Courses
Two counseling courses are mandatory — one before filing (credit
counseling) and one after filing (debtor education). We cannot obtain
your discharge until both certificates are filed. Please also confirm you
received the Bankruptcy Information Sheet.
I have received and reviewed the Bankruptcy Information Sheet provided
with this packet.
Yes, received
PRE-FILING CREDIT COUNSELING — COMPLETED? Yes / No / Scheduled
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PRE FILING CREDIT COUNSELING 
 COMPLETED? Yes / No / Scheduled
DATE COMPLETED
APPROVED AGENCY / PROVIDER NAME
CERTIFICATE NUMBER (IF YOU HAVE IT)
POST-FILING DEBTOR-EDUCATION COURSE — COMPLETED OR PLANNED? we will
remind you; it is required before discharge
7
Means Test — Income for the Last 6
Months
The “means test” looks at your household’s average gross income over
the last 6 full calendar months and compares it to the Michigan median
for your household size. Enter gross (before-tax) amounts from all
sources — job income, self-employment, unemployment, support
received, rental, etc. (Social Security benefits are listed but treated
separately.)
MONTH
YOUR GROSS
INCOME
SPOUSE
GROSS
INCOME
OTHER
HOUSEHOLD
INCOME
SOURCE(S)
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HOUSEHOLD SIZE FOR THE MEDIAN COMPARISON
ANY INCOME YOU EXPECT TO CHANGE SOON?
8
Current Income & Employment
This is your income as of today, used for Schedule I. Include every current
source for you and your spouse.
PERSON
EMPLOYER /
SOURCE
OCCUPATION
PAY
FREQUENCY
GROSS
MONTHLY
NET
MONTHLY
OTHER INCOME — RENTAL, BUSINESS, SUPPORT, RETIREMENT/SOCIAL
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SECURITY, GOVERNMENT BENEFITS
9
Monthly Living Expenses
Your actual monthly expenses, used for Schedule J. Estimate reasonable
averages; we can refine them together.
RENT OR MORTGAGE PAYMENT
REAL ESTATE TAXES (IF NOT IN MORTGAGE)
HOME/RENTER’S INSURANCE (IF NOT IN MORTGAGE)
HOME MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS
ELECTRICITY, HEAT, NATURAL GAS
WATER, SEWER, GARBAGE
PHONE, INTERNET, CABLE, STREAMING
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FOOD & HOUSEKEEPING SUPPLIES
CHILDCARE & CHILDREN’S EDUCATION
CLOTHING, LAUNDRY, DRY CLEANING
PERSONAL CARE
MEDICAL & DENTAL (OUT OF POCKET)
TRANSPORTATION (GAS, BUS, MAINTENANCE)
VEHICLE INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
LIFE INSURANCE
TAXES NOT DEDUCTED FROM PAY
INSTALLMENT / LOAN PAYMENTS (NOT LISTED ELSEWHERE)
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ALIMONY / CHILD SUPPORT YOU PAY
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
OTHER EXPENSES
10
Real Estate You Own
ADDRESS /
DESCRIPTION
MARKET
VALUE
SEV /
TAXABLE
VALUE
OWNER(S)
ON DEED
MORTGAGE
BALANCE &
LENDER
IS ANYONE ELSE ON THE DEED OR A CO-OWNER?
ARE YOU BEHIND ON ANY MORTGAGE OR TAXES?
List every parcel you own or are buying — home, land, rental, timeshare, or
an interest through someone else. For value, use the market value and the
SEV / taxable value from your latest property-tax statement, and gather
the deed.
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11
Vehicles
YEAR / MAKE /
MODEL
MILEAGE
EST.
VALUE
LIENHOLDER /
LENDER
LOAN
BALANCE
WHOSE
NAME
12
Bank & Cash Accounts
INSTITUTION
ACCOUNT
TYPE
LAST 4
DIGITS
CURRENT
BALANCE
WHOSE
NAME
List every car, truck, motorcycle, boat, trailer, RV, or other titled vehicle —
even if fully paid off or financed. Gather the title and/or registration and
any loan statement.
List all checking, savings, money-market, prepaid, and credit-union
accounts. Gather statements for the last 6 months for every account.
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CASH ON HAND TODAY
ANY ACCOUNT CLOSED IN THE LAST YEAR?
13
Retirement, Annuities & Investments
TYPE (401K, IRA, PENSION,
ANNUITY, STOCKS,
BONDS, ETC.)
INSTITUTION /
PLAN
APPROX.
VALUE
WHOSE NAME
LIFE INSURANCE — COMPANY, TYPE, FACE AMOUNT, AND ANY CASH VALUE
List retirement and investment holdings — 401(k), IRA, pension, 403(b),
TSP, annuities, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, brokerage accounts,
cryptocurrency, and life insurance with cash value. Many retirement
accounts are protected, but all must be disclosed. Gather recent
statements.
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14
Other Personal Property
Estimate the resale value of what you own — not replacement cost. Group
ordinary items (e.g., “household furnishings”) and separately list anything
of notable value.
HOUSEHOLD GOODS & FURNISHINGS (TOTAL)
ELECTRONICS (TOTAL)
CLOTHING (TOTAL)
JEWELRY & WATCHES
FIREARMS, SPORTS & HOBBY EQUIPMENT
COLLECTIBLES, ART, ANTIQUES
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
PETS / LIVESTOCK
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ANYTHING ELSE OF VALUE NOT LISTED ELSEWHERE
15
Claims, Lawsuits, Inheritances & Other
Interests
This is one of the most overlooked areas — and the trustee looks closely
at it. Disclose any right to receive money or property, even if uncertain or
in the future: lawsuits or claims you could bring, personal-injury or other
tort actions, insurance claims, tax refunds owed to you, and any
inheritance or trust interest — including one you may receive within 180
days after filing.
LAWSUITS OR LEGAL CLAIMS YOU HAVE OR COULD BRING (AGAINST ANYONE)
PERSONAL-INJURY OR OTHER TORT CLAIMS (CAR ACCIDENT, MALPRACTICE,
INJURY, ETC.)
INSURANCE CLAIMS PENDING OR EXPECTED
TAX REFUNDS OWED TO YOU (FEDERAL, STATE, OR PRIOR YEARS)
INHERITANCE, TRUST, OR ESTATE INTEREST — RECEIVED, PENDING, OR
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,
,
,
,
EXPECTED (INCL. WITHIN 180 DAYS AFTER FILING)
MONEY OWED TO YOU BY ANYONE (LOANS YOU MADE, DEPOSITS, UNPAID
WAGES, JUDGMENTS IN YOUR FAVOR)
INTERESTS IN A BUSINESS, PARTNERSHIP, PATENT, COPYRIGHT, OR ROYALTY
16
Secured Debts
Debts backed by collateral — mortgages, home-equity loans, car loans,
and any loan where you pledged property. Say whether you want to keep
(and keep paying) or surrender the collateral.
CREDITOR
ACCOUNT
#
COLLATERAL
BALANCE
OWED
MONTHLY
PAYMENT
KEEP /
SURRENDER
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17
Priority Debts — Taxes & Support
Certain debts get priority and usually are not wiped out — recent income
taxes, and domestic support obligations (child support, spousal
support/alimony). List them here.
CREDITOR / AGENCY
/ PERSON
TYPE (TAX, CHILD
SUPPORT,
ALIMONY)
PERIOD /
YEAR
AMOUNT
OWED
BEHIND?
18
Unsecured Debts
Everything else you owe with no collateral — credit cards, medical bills,
personal and payday loans, deficiencies, judgments, old utility bills, and
any business debts you are personally liable for. Include amounts and
account numbers.
CREDITOR NAME
ADDRESS
ACCOUNT
#
AMOUNT
OWED
CO-
SIGNED?
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19
Co-Signers, Guarantors & Co-Debtors
If anyone else is legally responsible for a debt with you — a co-signer,
guarantor, or joint account holder — list them. Filing does not erase a co-
signer’s responsibility, so this affects them directly.
CO-SIGNER /
CO-DEBTOR
NAME
ADDRESS
RELATIONSHIP
WHICH DEBT
AMOUNT
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20
Leases & Ongoing Contracts
List apartment or home leases, vehicle leases, rent-to-own, storage, cell-
phone contracts, and any agreement still in force.
OTHER PARTY
WHAT IT COVERS
MONTHLY
PAYMENT
EXPIRES
BEHIND?
21
Lawsuits, Judgments, Garnishments &
Repossessions
Disclose collection activity against you within the last year and anything
pending now — lawsuits, judgments, wage or bank garnishments, tax
levies, repossessions, and foreclosures.
Any lawsuits, judgments, or garnishments against you (now or in the last
year)?
Yes
No
CASE / CREDITOR
COURT /
AGENCY
CASE
NUMBER
TYPE
STATUS
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WAGE OR BANK GARNISHMENTS, TAX LEVIES, OR LIENS IN THE LAST YEAR
PROPERTY REPOSSESSED, FORECLOSED, OR RETURNED IN THE LAST YEAR
22
Recent Payments, Transfers & Financial
Affairs
The trustee reviews money and property that moved before filing. Please
answer each — or write “None.” These mirror the Statement of Financial
Affairs.
a. Payments totaling more than $600 to any one creditor within the 90 days
before filing.
Describe — or None
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b. Any payment or transfer to a relative, friend, or business partner (an
“insider”) within the 1 year before filing.
Describe — or None
c. Property sold, transferred, or given away within the last 2 years (other than
ordinary purchases).
Describe — or None
d. Gifts or charitable contributions over $600 within the last 2 years.
Describe — or None
e. Losses from theft, fire, disaster, or gambling within the last year.
Describe — or None
f. Money paid to any attorney, bankruptcy preparer, or credit-counseling
service within the last year.
Describe — or None
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g. Financial accounts closed, sold, or transferred within the last year.
Describe — or None
h. Property you hold for someone else, or that someone else holds for you.
Describe — or None
i. Your total gross income from all sources for this year and the prior 2 years.
Describe — or None
23
Income Tax Information
MOST RECENT FEDERAL RETURN FILED — YEAR
MOST RECENT STATE RETURN FILED — YEAR
ANY UNFILED RETURNS? WHICH YEARS?
Your returns must be filed and current. Confirm what has been filed, what
is owed, and any refund coming to you (a refund is an asset). Gather your
last 2 years of federal and state returns.
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TAXES CURRENTLY OWED (FEDERAL / STATE / LOCAL)
REFUND(S) YOU EXPECT OR ARE OWED
ANY TAX LIENS OR LEVIES?
24
Anything Else We Should Know
Use this space for anything not captured above — expected changes,
disputes, concerns, or questions for the attorney. When in doubt, tell us.
25
Document Checklist
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portal, never email. The more complete this is, the faster and smoother your
case will go.

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