eSR

 


THIS ONLINE TOOL IS FOR SELF-REPRESENTED DEBTORS ONLY

Bankruptcy has serious long-term financial and legal consequences. Hiring a competent attorney is strongly recommended.   

The bankruptcy court is not permitted to provide legal advice. Individuals petitioning for bankruptcy relief without an attorney are responsible for knowing and following all of the legal requirements.

If you decide to proceed without a lawyer, visit the Filing Without an Attorney page for helpful information.


What is eSR?

eSR is an online tool to help you complete a Chapter 7 petition package. It guides you step-by-step through the process, creates most of the necessary forms, performs all calculations, and allows you to electronically submit the petition package to the court.

Who can use eSR?

Individuals seeking to file a petition under Chapter 7 in North Dakota, including those petitioning jointly with a spouse, may use eSR. eSR is not available to attorneys or third-party bankruptcy petition preparers. eSR is not designed for businesses or corporations.

You must have the following computer resources to use eSR:

  • Internet connection
  • Valid email address
  • Adobe Reader (version 8 or higher)
  • Disabled pop-up blocker
  • Printer
  • Latest version of Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome or Safari.

Why use eSR?

  • There is no cost to use eSR.
  • eSR uses a guided, step-by-step process to complete and submit your petition package.
  • Information you enter is accessible only with your login and password.
  • eSR is available 24 hours a day with an internet-enabled computer.

What should I do before I use eSR?

  • Review the resources on our website. 
  • Complete the credit counseling course from a court-approved credit counseling agency. (The law requires credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy. Print the certificate.)
  • Collect all your financial documents. (eSR Bankruptcy Petition Checklist)

How do I create a petition package using eSR?

  • Create a user profile, unique login, and password on the eSR web site. Information you enter will be saved, and you can log out and return to the site as needed. (Information you enter will be removed after 45 days if there is no activity in the account.)
  • Answer questions about your property, income, and debts in the order presented by eSR.
  • Submit your petition package upon completion.
  • After submission you will receive a confirmation email with additional instructions and documents attached.

Note:  Your case is NOT FILED until you complete the steps outlined in the confirmation email. An automatic stay (injunction) is not in effect until a bankruptcy case number is issued by the bankruptcy court.

Note: If you need to add or change information after submission, call the clerk's office at 701-297-7100.

What happens after I submit my eSR package?

You will receive a confirmation email as follows:

Your confirmation number: 
Debtor name(s):
Date submitted: 

Your bankruptcy petition package has been submitted to the court but it has NOT been officially filed.
You have fourteen (14) days to complete the filing process. You must deliver in person, by U.S. mail, or overnight carrier these additional items:

                   Payment may be made:
                   Online (Preferred): Using a debit card, PayPal or ACH (electronic draft from a checking or savings account). The                           clerk's office will email the link to the payment portal after your case has been filed.
                   By Mail: Send a cashier's check or money order with your documents;
                   In Person: Exact amount due in cash, cashier's check or money order (personal checks, debit cards or credit cards                         not accepted from debtors at the counter).

  • Payment advices (pay stubs) or other evidence of payment received within 60 days before the filling date of the petition. If you do not have payment advices, complete Statement Concerning Payment Advices.

Deliver to:
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
655 1st Avenue North, Suite 210
Fargo, ND 58102-4932

See Chapter 7 Filing Requirements for a complete list of documents required to complete the case.
Your case will be officially filed on the date these additional items are received. A Notice of Bankruptcy Case Filing will be provided to you when the case has been officially filed.

Please call the Bankruptcy Clerk’s Office at 701-297-7100 if you have any questions or need assistance.

You can view or print your bankruptcy petition package as it was submitted by logging into the Electronic Self Representation site and select "6: Petition Package".

 

 

What happens after my case has been officially filed?

  • After your case is filed, the court will send you a notice containing your case number and information about your meeting of creditors. You MUST attend the meeting of creditors, as instructed. If you have chosen to pay the filing fee online, a link to the payment portal will be emailed to you.
  • Debtor Education:  A second education course (Personal Financial Management) must be completed after the date your case is filed. See approved providers here.

How do I get started with eSR?

You may get started using eSR by clicking here.

Where can I get help with eSR?

For technical or procedural assistance with eSR, please contact the clerk's office at 701-297-7100.