Filing for bankruptcy online in Pennsylvania may appear straightforward, but small procedural errors can lead to delays or case dismissal.
Many people take the do-it-yourself route to cut costs, especially when money is already tight. But one small error — using the wrong form, skipping a requirement, or choosing the wrong court — can delay your case or get it thrown out entirely.
Online Bankruptcy Filing Mistakes like these aren’t rare. They’re common, preventable, and often far more expensive than hiring help in the first place.
This guide outlines 7 common mistakes individuals make when filing for bankruptcy online in Pennsylvania—and how to avoid procedural issues that could jeopardize your case.
Mistake #1: Filing the Wrong Bankruptcy Chapter
One of the most common — and costly — mistakes is choosing the wrong type of bankruptcy. In Pennsylvania, most individuals file under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, but each works very differently.
- Chapter 7 is for people with limited income who can’t afford to repay their debts. It’s quicker, but you must pass a means test based on income and household size.
- Chapter 13 involves a repayment plan lasting three to five years. It’s for those who earn too much for Chapter 7 or want to protect certain assets like a home from foreclosure.
If you don’t understand the differences or choose based on a guess, you could end up in a chapter that doesn’t fit your situation. For example:
- Filing Chapter 13 when you qualify for Chapter 7 could mean years of unnecessary payments.
- Filing Chapter 7 without passing the means test could result in case dismissal or conversion.
This is where having guidance from a Pennsylvania bankruptcy attorney helps. They can assess your financial situation and recommend the most appropriate chapter based on your income, assets, and objectives.
Mistake #2: Not Using the Correct PA Bankruptcy Forms
Filing bankruptcy isn’t just about filling in forms — it’s about using the right ones for your state and court district.
Many online filers download general federal forms or outdated versions they find through search engines. But Pennsylvania has specific local requirements that can vary by district. If your paperwork doesn’t match what the court expects, your case can be delayed or rejected.
Common mistakes include:
- Using outdated forms that are no longer accepted by the court
- Filing in the wrong district (e.g., choosing the Western District instead of the Eastern District based on where you live)
- Skipping required local documents, like cover sheets or form supplements
Each bankruptcy court in Pennsylvania has its own set of rules. The Eastern District, which includes Philadelphia, has different requirements from the Middle or Western District.
Individuals filing pro se should ensure they are using current and district-appropriate forms. Online Bankruptcy Filing Mistakes are common, but consulting with a Pennsylvania bankruptcy attorney can help prevent filing errors that may delay or invalidate the case.
Mistake #3: Missing the Credit Counseling Requirement
Before you file for bankruptcy in Pennsylvania — online or otherwise — you must complete a credit counseling course. It’s not optional. If you skip this step or use the wrong provider, your case can be rejected before it even begins.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The course must be completed within 180 days before filing.
- It must be taken from a provider approved by the U.S. Trustee Program for Pennsylvania.
- You’ll receive a certificate, which must be filed with your petition.
One of the most common online bankruptcy filing mistakes is forgetting this requirement or using a non-approved site. Some filers submit their paperwork and plan to take the course later, only to get an automatic dismissal.
If you’re unsure where to take the course, the Pennsylvania bankruptcy court provides a list of approved agencies. A qualified Pennsylvania bankruptcy attorney can also help make sure your certificate is valid and submitted correctly.
Mistake #4: Incorrect or Incomplete Income & Asset Disclosure
When you file for bankruptcy, you must fully and accurately list all your income and assets. The court uses this information to determine eligibility and fairness, and any errors can raise red flags.
Common mistakes include:
- Leaving out side income, such as gig work or cash jobs
- Undervaluing assets, like vehicles, electronics, or collectibles
- Forgetting jointly owned property or shared accounts
- Failing to include recent pay stubs or benefit statements
These issues can lead to delays, case dismissal, or even accusations of fraud. Even honest mistakes can trigger unnecessary complications.
You’ll be required to submit detailed forms like Schedule I (Income) and Schedule A/B (Assets), along with documentation that supports your entries. Incomplete or inconsistent documentation is one of the leading causes of delays and dismissals in pro se bankruptcy cases.
Working with a Pennsylvania bankruptcy attorney can help ensure your disclosures are accurate and that you don’t miss anything that could put your case at risk.
Mistake #5: Filing in the Wrong Court District
Pennsylvania has three federal bankruptcy court districts — Eastern, Middle, and Western — and each one handles cases for specific counties. Filing in the wrong district is a simple mistake that can get your case rejected.
Here’s how this mistake happens:
- Online filers often choose a court based on convenience, not residency.
- Some download forms from the wrong district’s website.
- Others move recently and don’t realize that their new address changes their filing location.
Where you live determines where you file. For example, if you live in Philadelphia, your case must be filed with the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. If you file elsewhere, the court will likely dismiss your case or transfer it, causing delays and extra costs.
Always verify your court district before filing. The U.S. Courts website provides a district finder tool, and a local Pennsylvania bankruptcy attorney can ensure your petition is filed in the appropriate jurisdiction to avoid delays or dismissal.
Mistake #6: Forgetting the Filing Fee or Failing to Apply for a Waiver
Filing for bankruptcy isn’t free, and skipping the filing fee or mishandling it can stop your case cold.
As of now, the cost of filing for bankruptcy in Pennsylvania is:
- $338 for Chapter 7
- $313 for Chapter 13
If you don’t submit the full payment, apply for a fee waiver, or request an installment plan, the court may reject your case for being incomplete.
Here’s where people run into trouble:
- Filing online but forgetting to include the payment
- Applying for a fee waiver without submitting the required income documentation
- Missing installment deadlines after approval
If you’re unable to pay upfront, the court allows you to request a fee waiver or installment plan, but these must be approved before your case moves forward.
To avoid unnecessary delays, check the court’s fee schedule and requirements in advance. If you’re unsure what applies to your situation, a Pennsylvania bankruptcy attorney can help make sure everything is filed correctly and on time.
Mistake #7: Not Following Up with Required Court Documents
Filing your bankruptcy forms online is just the beginning. Many filers mistakenly think their job is done once the initial petition is submitted — but that’s not the case. Online Bankruptcy Filing Mistakes like this can lead to delays, dismissals, or lost protections.
After filing, the court and trustee will require additional documents and actions, including:
- Tax returns and pay stubs
- A statement of intention for secured debts (in Chapter 7 cases)
- Responding to trustee requests before the 341 meeting
- Attending the mandatory meeting of creditors
Missing deadlines or ignoring follow-up notices can delay or dismiss your case. Unfortunately, many people who file pro se don’t check court mailings or forget to monitor their email for trustee correspondence.
You need to stay engaged through every step, not just the filing. If you’re unsure what’s next, the court provides checklists, but even better, A qualified bankruptcy attorney can monitor your case and ensure all post-filing obligations and court deadlines are met.
Online Filing Is Possible — But Only If Done Right
Filing bankruptcy online in Pennsylvania can work — but only if every step is done right. A small mistake can delay your case or cost you far more than you expected.
If you’re unsure about a form, deadline, or requirement, don’t guess — get help.
Philadelphia Low-Cost Bankruptcy Lawyers can guide you through the process, help you avoid common pitfalls, and make sure your filing is done properly from the start.
If you are uncertain about the filing process, contact a Philadelphia Low-Cost Bankruptcy Lawyer. Legal guidance can help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your petition is filed correctly under Pennsylvania law.