The united states Bankruptcy Court

for the Eastern District of Virginia            

General Information

Social Security Number and Protection of Personal Information

Effective December 1, 2007, individuals filing bankruptcy will place only the last four digits of their Social Security Number or Taxpayer-Identification Number on the bankruptcy petition.  Individuals are required to submit, with the bankruptcy petition, a separate Statement of Social Security Number(s), Official Form 21, in which their full Social Security Number or Taxpayer-Identification Number is given.  This Statement of Social Security Number(s) is not part of the public record and will not be available to the public.  Official Form 21 is available on the Court’s website at: www.vaeb.uscourts.gov/ by clicking on the Bankruptcy Forms icon.

 

Any schedule or supporting document filed with the court should not include:1) the names of minor children - use only initials, 2) birthdates – use only the year of birth, and  3) financial account numbers - use only the last four digits.

 

Legal Advice  & Resources

The U. S. Bankruptcy Court Clerk’s Office is not permitted to assist you with preparing your petition, schedules, or other documents.  Nor is the Clerk’s Office permitted to provide you with legal advice. Your local library has law books that may be of assistance to you.  The Local Bankruptcy Rules for the Eastern District of Virginia  and information  on the various chapters in bankruptcy are available in the Clerk’s Office. The local rules, instructions and forms are also available on the Court’s website at: www.vaeb.uscourts.gov/

 

Appropriate Courtroom Attire & Conduct

All persons present in a courtroom where a trial, hearing, or other proceeding is in progress must dress and conduct themselves in a manner demonstrating respect for the court.   Traditional business attire is considered appropriate. Jeans, shorts, and t-shirts are not appropriate.

        

Retaining Your Records

It is advisable to keep copies of your petition, schedules, Discharge of Debtor and, if applicable, your Order of Dismissal.  You may wish to obtain copies of other pertinent documents.

 

Credit Rating & Reports

The U. S. Bankruptcy Court Clerk’s Office is not responsible for credit reports. Bankruptcy records are public records and the information contained in them can be retrieved by anyone.  Any disputes you have with a credit agency must be resolved by you and that agency.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Corporations and Partnerships must be represented by an attorney when filing for bankruptcy.