Bankruptcy Filing Checklist for Houston

You need: 6 months of pay stubs, 2 years of tax returns, 3-6 months of bank statements, vehicle titles, mortgage statements, a complete debt list, and credit reports from all three bureaus.

Documents You Will Need

Income Documentation

Pay stubs for the last 6 months (all jobs)
Federal tax returns for the last 2 years
No state income tax returns required in Texas
Social Security, pension, or retirement income statements
Self-employment profit and loss statements (if applicable)
Unemployment benefit records (if applicable)

Asset Documentation

Bank statements for the last 3-6 months (all accounts)
Vehicle titles and registration
Mortgage statement showing balance and monthly payment
Property tax assessment or recent appraisal
Retirement account statements (401k, IRA, pension)
Life insurance policies (with cash value)

Debt Documentation

Credit reports from all three bureaus (free at annualcreditreport.com)
Collection letters and lawsuit papers
Medical bills, student loan, car loan, and credit card statements
Garnishment orders

Personal Documentation

Government-issued photo ID
Social Security card
Proof of current address
Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable)
Child support or alimony orders (if applicable)

Required Courses

Pre-Filing Credit Counseling

Within 180 days before filing
60-90 minutes, online or phone
~$25, DOJ-approved provider
Certificate filed with petition

Post-Filing Debtor Education

Before discharge
~2 hours, online or phone
~$25, DOJ-approved provider
Certificate filed with court

Filing Costs in the S.D. Tex.

Expense	Chapter 7	Chapter 13
Court filing fee	$338	$313
Credit counseling	~$25	~$25
Debtor education	~$25	~$25
Attorney fees (Houston range)	$1,000-$2,500	$3,000-$5,000
Total estimate	$1,388-$2,888	$3,363-$5,363

Filing fees can be paid in installments. Fee waivers available for filers below 150% of the federal poverty line.

Things to Avoid Before Filing

Do not transfer property to friends, family, or trusts
Do not pay back relatives - payments within 1 year to insiders can be recovered
Do not run up credit card debt - charges over $800 on luxury goods within 90 days are presumed non-dischargeable
Do not cash out retirement accounts - they are fully exempt in bankruptcy
Do not hide assets - this is federal bankruptcy fraud

Free Legal Help in Houston

Lone Star Legal Aid (1-800-733-8394), Houston Volunteer Lawyers (713-228-0732)

The S.D. Tex. bankruptcy clerk's office at 515 Rusk Ave, Houston, TX 77002 can also provide pro se resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need to file bankruptcy in Houston?

You need: 6 months of pay stubs, 2 years of tax returns, 3-6 months of bank statements, vehicle titles, mortgage statements, a complete debt list, and credit reports from all three bureaus.

Do I need to take a class before filing?

Yes. Credit counseling from an approved provider within 180 days before filing. 60-90 minutes, ~$25, available online.

Do I need to take a class after filing?

Yes. A debtor education course (different from pre-filing counseling) before receiving discharge. ~2 hours, ~$25.

How much does it cost to file in Houston?

Chapter 7: $338 filing fee + ~$1,000-2,500 attorney. Chapter 13: $313 filing fee + ~$3,000-5,000 attorney. Credit counseling: ~$25 each course.

Can I file without an attorney?

Technically yes (pro se), but not recommended. Lone Star Legal Aid (1-800-733-8394), Houston Volunteer Lawyers (713-228-0732) may help if you cannot afford an attorney.

What should I NOT do before filing?

Do not: transfer property, pay back relatives, run up credit card debt, cash out retirement, or hide assets.