How To Pick a DIY Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Software

If you're thinking about filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on your own, you're not alone. Many people choose a DIY path to save money and take control of the process themselves. 

The good news? There are some great tools out there to help you along the way.

This article will walk you through your options — including Upsolve, a nonprofit with a free filing tool that has helped over 17,000 people file Chapter 7 successfully without hiring a lawyer. Our services are 100% free, and our users love us.

DIY Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Software Options

Several software tools can make filing your bankruptcy case easier. And in some cases, the service is totally free. Here’s a look at some popular choices:

Upsolve (Free Online Filing Tool)

Upsolve is a nonprofit with a free online tool built to help low-income individuals file Chapter 7 bankruptcy without hiring a lawyer. If you qualify, you can complete your bankruptcy forms online with step-by-step guidance at no cost.

Here’s how it works:

• You’ll take a two-minute screener to see if you’re eligible to use the free filing tool.

  • If you own a home or other expensive property, you won’t be eligible to use Upsolve. 

  • Upsolve isn’t currently available in Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, or Virginia. 

  • Upsolve is currently designed for individual filers; you can use the filing tool if you’re married but not if you’re filing your case jointly with your spouse. (Yes, you can file without your spouse.)

• You’ll answer some questions about your financial situation.

• You’ll upload or snap photos of documents like pay stubs and tax returns.

• You’ll take a credit counseling course (which is required for all bankruptcy cases).

• Upsolve’s system will put together your forms and check them for consistency.

• A support specialist will review your forms and reach out if they have any questions.

• Once you're ready, you’ll get clear instructions on how to file your case at your local bankruptcy court.

Upsolve is able to offer its services for free because it’s a nonprofit funded by philanthropists, charitable organizations, and the Legal Services Corporation. It's helped over 17,000 people get the fresh start they deserve.

📌Upsolve isn’t a lawyer, and we can’t give legal advice. If you have a complicated Chapter 7 case or want to explore Chapter 13 bankruptcy, we can connect you with a local bankruptcy attorney for a free consultation.

EzBankruptcyForms.com

EzBankruptcyForms.com provides a downloadable, fillable PDF version of the official bankruptcy court forms. The main difference from getting the forms directly from the court is that EzBankruptcyForms adds auto-calculating fields. This is helpful as the software does the math for you as you fill it out. 

💰 Basic packages start at $49.

It takes most users 5–8 hours to complete the forms, but as with any software, it’ll depend on how prepared you are and how quickly you work.

The package is state-specific and designed for consumers filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 without an attorney. It doesn't include full legal advice or interactive coaching but does offer free video tutorials to help users understand the filing process.

In short, it’s a more user-friendly version of the court’s free forms. It includes built-in calculators, the ability to save your progress, and some basic guidance, but you’ll still need to manage your filing on your own.

1ClickBankruptcy

1ClickBankruptcy offers an affordable bankruptcy software package for individuals filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 without a lawyer. 

💰 For $99, users get downloadable software with the most recent bankruptcy forms, built-in math calculations, and step-by-step instructions. 

The software allows you to save your work as you go and is compatible with many different devices, including tablets and smartphones. It also provides federal and state exemption information for all 50 states, free credit reports, and downloadable support documents. 

Special bonuses include access to reaffirmation agreement forms, a bankruptcy basics e-book, discounts on required credit counseling courses, and a one-time phone consultation with a bankruptcy attorney in your state. 

While the package offers a lot of resources for the price, ongoing personalized support beyond the attorney phone call is not included. Users should be comfortable navigating the filing process mostly on their own.

National Law Forms

National Law Forms offers a bankruptcy package for individuals who want to file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 on their own. 

💰 Their package costs around $299 and provides a downloadable set of forms along with basic instructions to guide you through the filing process.

Instead of offering a true software platform that walks you through each step, National Law Forms sells what’s essentially a nicely bundled DIY kit of forms and instructions. Users fill out the forms manually, using either a PDF or Word document format. Unlike some other options, the forms don’t automatically calculate totals or check your information for consistency. There's no interactive platform, no e-filing support, and no live customer service for questions along the way.

This could be a workable option if you feel confident handling the paperwork mostly on your own and prefer a simple download rather than using guided software. However, at $299, it is one of the more expensive DIY bankruptcy options available, especially compared to other tools that offer more interactive support for a much lower cost.

Free DIY Chapter 7 Forms From the U.S. Bankruptcy Court

One free option is downloading the bankruptcy forms straight from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s website. The forms are fillable PDFs, so you can complete them on the computer or print them out and write your answers by hand.

This isn’t a software program or service, but you can get all the forms you’ll need to file your case, for free.

If you go this route, you’ll need to figure out which forms apply to your situation. Also, the court does offer basic instructions, but it doesn't walk you through every step like most software does.

Some bankruptcy courts also offer a tool called Electronic Self-Representation (eSR) that lets you complete and submit your forms online. You’ll need to do some research to see if your local bankruptcy court allows this. You can also find the information in Upsolve’s filing guide for your state.

If you’re comfortable working through the instructions on your own, this free option might work well for you.

Local Resources for DIY Bankruptcy Filers

It’s also worth checking your local bankruptcy court’s website. Some courts provide lists of recommended consumer bankruptcy software providers or other resources to help you through the DIY process.

Not sure which bankruptcy court serves your area? You can easily find your local court by searching online. Try typing "[your city or county] bankruptcy court" into a search engine. For example, if you live in Austin, Texas, you would search "Austin TX bankruptcy court." This should bring you to the official website for your district’s bankruptcy court.

Once you're on your local court's website, look for sections labeled "Self-Represented Filers," "Pro Se Filers," or "Filing Without an Attorney." Many bankruptcy courts have a dedicated page with step-by-step instructions, helpful forms, and other information designed specifically for people filing on their own. These resources can be a big help as you work through the DIY bankruptcy process.

How To Pick a DIY Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Software

If you’ve decided to file bankruptcy on your own, choosing the right DIY Chapter 7 bankruptcy software can make a big difference. Filing a bankruptcy petition involves completing a lot of paperwork, gathering financial documents like bank statements and tax returns, and following strict bankruptcy law rules. The right tool can help you stay organized, avoid mistakes, and feel more confident about your fresh start.

Here are a few things to think about as you compare different DIY bankruptcy options:

• Cost

• Ease of use

• Features

• Support and resources

How Much Does It Cost?

When you choose software, make sure to consider the full cost. Check whether you’ll need to pay separately for credit counseling or debtor education courses. Both are required to complete a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. 

Also be aware that filing for bankruptcy usually involves a court filing fee. Many people qualify for a fee waiver for Chapter 7, but you can’t get a fee waiver in a Chapter 13 case.

How Easy Is It To Use?

Some DIY bankruptcy tools make it easy by guiding you through simple questions about your household income, debts (like credit card balances or medical bills), and any real estate, leases, or liens you have.

Others provide just the blank forms and basic instructions, which can be harder to navigate if you’re new to bankruptcy law. If you feel nervous about handling things like the means test — which determines if you qualify for Chapter 7 — look for software that offers extra guidance.

What Features Does It Include?

Not all DIY tools offer the same extras. Some auto-calculate math for you, show you how to apply state and federal exemption laws, and explain how debts like student loans, child support, or tax debts are treated in bankruptcy. 

Others might include downloadable guides about debt relief, repayment plans under Chapter 13, or what to expect from the meeting of creditors with the bankruptcy trustee. A few also offer support like free credit reports or a phone consultation with a bankruptcy lawyer.

What Support and Resources Are Included?

Check what kind of help the software provides. Does it offer FAQs about bankruptcy basics? Is there an attorney or petition preparer available to answer quick questions? Are you connected to a credit counseling agency that can help with the required courses? Having access to clear answers can make your DIY bankruptcy feel much more manageable.

Let’s Summarize…

Choosing the right DIY bankruptcy software is about finding the best fit for your situation, your comfort level with financial management, and your budget. Taking the time to pick the right tool now can make the entire bankruptcy process, from gathering your financial documents to attending the meeting of creditors, much less stressful.

When it comes to filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy on your own, you have several options. You can download free forms from the court and handle everything yourself. You can purchase software that offers more guidance along the way. Or, if you qualify, you can use Upsolve’s free tool to file with step-by-step support.

No matter which path you choose, the important thing is to find a solution that matches your needs and helps you move forward toward a fresh start.

If you think DIY bankruptcy could be a good fit for you, consider starting with Upsolve’s free screener to see if you’re eligible.