Creditor Matrix Formatting Requirements

Last Updated: April 1, 2013

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF CREDITOR MATRIX

The mailing list of creditors is used whenever notice must be given to creditors.  

A Verification of Creditor Matrix with debtor(s) signature(s) must be filed with the petition. It is important to provide a complete matrix with all creditors' complete names and addresses to ensure all parties receive proper notice and timely service.

Print the creditor list (mailing matrix) and attach it to the Verification of Creditor Matrix, or save the mailing list in an ASCII file format with an appropriate text extension (e.g., txt). The file containing the mailing list shall be identified by using the debtor's first name initial and last name (e.g., "dsmith.txt"). See Converting Creditor Matrix to Txt File.

To ensure the accuracy of the court's records, the following guidelines must be strictly adhered to:

  • Type the list in a single column placed against the "left" margin with no leading spaces.

  • Do not use all capital letters.

  • Do not use special characters in the address (!, @, #, $, %, ^, *, (, ), +).

  • Do not include the debtor, joint debtor, attorney for debtor, trustee, or U.S. Trustee.  These parties will automatically be added by the system.

  • Limit each creditor's name and address to 5 lines.

  • Limit each line of a name or address to 40 characters and/or spaces.

  • Attention lines should be placed on the second line of the name/address block.

  • Use the correct postal abbreviation for each state.

  • Avoid any stray marks or extra text on the page (e.g. letterhead, page numbers, debtor's name), except the creditors' names and address.

  • Place the zip code on the last line with the city and state. Type nine-digit zip codes with a hyphen separating the two groups of numbers (e.g., 58102-4932).  Example:

    Creditor Name
    2020 1st Avenue North
    Fargo, ND  58102-4932

    Creditor Name
    Attn:  Bankruptcy Dept.
    5060 8th Street South
    Bismarck, ND  58504-3200

In cases filed by attorneys electronically, the matrix is prepared as a .txt file, which is uploaded using Creditor Maintenance>Upload Creditor Matrix.