Define the question before choosing an answer
Use this guide to organize Credit Card Balances, Recent Charges, Cash Advances and Discharge Questions. 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 And Credit Card Debt
Credit Card Balances
Contract or citation, balance, arrears, title, value, insurance, possession, notice dates, and any scheduled sale.
Recent Charges
The controlling document, exact date, amount or value, people involved, current status, and the source that can verify it.
Cash Advances
The controlling document, exact date, amount or value, people involved, current status, and the source that can verify it.
Discharge Questions
Creditor, owner of the account, debt type, balance, contract, collateral, judgment status, dispute, and payment history.
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.
Issue log
| Issue | Evidence to preserve | Open question |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card Balances | Contract or citation, balance, arrears, title, value, insurance, possession, notice dates, and any scheduled sale. | |
| Recent Charges | The controlling document, exact date, amount or value, people involved, current status, and the source that can verify it. | |
| Cash Advances | The controlling document, exact date, amount or value, people involved, current status, and the source that can verify it. | |
| And Discharge Questions | Creditor, owner of the account, debt type, balance, contract, collateral, judgment status, dispute, and payment history. |
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