Define the question before choosing an answer
Use this guide to organize Property Schedules, Exemption Planning, Trustee Questions and Nonexempt Property Risks. Start with the controlling record and date, then connect the issue to the bankruptcy chapter, property, debts, and local procedure that may change the answer.
Evidence file for Chapter 7 Assets And Exemptions
Property Schedules
Ownership, current value, liens, acquisition date, supporting records, expected payments, and recent changes.
Exemption Planning
Ownership, current value, liens, acquisition date, supporting records, expected payments, and recent changes.
Trustee Questions
Current official form or notice, required date range, completion status, delivery method, deadline, and docket proof.
Nonexempt Property Risks
Ownership, current value, liens, acquisition date, supporting records, expected payments, and recent changes.
Facts that shape the review
- Chapter 7 review should connect current means-test data, property and exemptions, recent transactions, prior cases, and debts that may not receive an ordinary discharge.
- Preserve original ownership and transaction evidence. Do not move, spend, hide, retitle, or relabel property to improve how it appears before review.
Issue log
| Issue | Evidence to preserve | Open question |
|---|---|---|
| Property Schedules | Ownership, current value, liens, acquisition date, supporting records, expected payments, and recent changes. | |
| Exemption Planning | Ownership, current value, liens, acquisition date, supporting records, expected payments, and recent changes. | |
| Trustee Questions | Current official form or notice, required date range, completion status, delivery method, deadline, and docket proof. | |
| And Nonexempt Property Risks | Ownership, current value, liens, acquisition date, supporting records, expected payments, and recent changes. |
Questions that can change the next step
| Question | Your facts |
|---|---|
| What exact outcome is needed? | |
| What date changes the next step? | |
| Which fact remains unverified? |
Timing caution
If a sale, hearing, deduction, seizure, shutoff, or response deadline is near, use qualified local help rather than waiting for general online information.
Verify with current sources
U.S. Courts Bankruptcy Basics · Official Bankruptcy Forms · Current Means Testing Data · Official source directory