Columbus Chapter 13 Wizard
How to fill out your Chapter 13
Columbus Chapter 13 Questionnaire
is where you create your initial Chapter 13 filing, also called a "skeleton filing."
A skeleton filing is the minimum paperwork required to officially start your bankruptcy case and activate immediate protection from eviction, collections, and other creditor actions. This section collects your basic identifying information, household details, and core financial information needed to open your case with the court.
Columbus Creditors Questionnaire
Section A — Harris County Chapter 13 Filing
(Creditors Matrix)
The Creditors list is where you list everyone you owe money to.
This includes landlords, credit cards, loans, medical bills, collection agencies, and any other debts. The information you enter here is used to create your official Creditors Matrix — a required document that tells the court and your creditors that your bankruptcy case has been filed.
The court uses this list to send notices and stop collection activity. If a creditor is not listed, they may not receive notice of your case. Completing this section carefully helps ensure that all creditors are properly included and that your protections apply to everyone you owe.
Once this section is completed and filed, the court recognizes your case as active, and legal protections can begin. The remaining documents can be completed and submitted shortly after filing. This step is the foundation of your entire Chapter 13 case and is what allows you to move quickly when time is critical.
Columbus Chapter 13 plan Questionnaire
Columbus Chapter 13 Plan
(Payment Plan)
This section is where your Chapter 13 payment plan is created.
In this section, the system uses your income, expenses, and debt information to calculate a realistic monthly payment plan that the court can approve. This plan shows how you will catch up on past-due rent and other debts over time while staying protected.
The Chapter 13 plan is one of the most important documents in your case. It explains to the court how you intend to repay certain debts and remain compliant with bankruptcy requirements. Once this section is completed, your plan will be generated and included in your filing package.
Great! You only have ONE more thing to do to be ready to file.You MUST get your Credit Counseling Certificate!!!
Real People, Real Results
How to Get Your Pre-Filing Credit Counseling Certificate (DebtorCC)
Step 1 — Click Start Now (or First Course / Pre-Filing Credit Counseling).
This is the FIRST course required before filing bankruptcy.
Step 2 — Enter your First Name.
Step 3 — Enter your Last Name.
Step 4 — Enter your Email Address.
Step 5 — Enter your Date of Birth.
Step 6 — Enter the Last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.
Step 7 — Enter your ZIP Code.
Step 8 — Click Continue.
Step 9 — Choose how to pay for the course.
Most people will see a fee of about $19.95.
Step 10 — If you can pay, enter your debit or credit card information.
Step 11 — If you cannot afford the fee, click Request Fee Waiver and follow the instructions.
Step 12 — Click Submit Payment or Continue.
Step 13 — Begin the course.
Step 14 — Answer the questions about your income.
Step 15 — Answer the questions about your expenses.
Step 16 — Answer the questions about your household size.
Step 17 — Continue clicking Next until you reach the end of the course.
The course usually takes about 60–90 minutes.
Step 18 — Complete the final step by answering the last questions or briefly chatting with a counselor.
Step 19 — Wait for the confirmation screen that says you have completed the course.
Step 20 — Check your email for your Pre-Filing Credit Counseling Certificate.
Step 21 — Download and save the certificate PDF.
Step 22 — Provide this certificate when you file your bankruptcy case.
DebtorCC Help Phone Number
1-800-610-3920
I'm Finished! Now how do I file?
Before filing, confirm you have:
✔ Completed all 4 sections
✔ Checked your email
✔ Downloaded all 4 PDFs
✔ Completed credit counseling
✔ Received your certificate
PRINTED THEM ALL OUT
Then you are ready to file.
Now Just take the paperwork down to the Federal Courts Clerk and file!
(Do NOT file this at the eviction court! ONLY at the address below!!!!)
Franklin County (Columbus) Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Filing Court
Court Name:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Southern District of Ohio — Columbus Division
Physical Filing Address:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Joseph P. Kinneary United States Courthouse
85 Marconi Boulevard
Room 100
Columbus, OH 43215
Main Phone Number:
(614) 469-6638
Hours:
Monday – Friday
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Important Notes for Your Workflow
This is a federal court, not a county courthouse.
All Chapter 13 cases for Franklin County (including Columbus and surrounding cities) are filed at this location.
Government-issued photo ID is required to enter the building.
You must pass through federal security screening before accessing the clerk’s office.
Pro se filers can file skeleton filings in person at the clerk’s office.
The clerk will time-stamp your paperwork immediately upon filing, which is what triggers the automatic stay.
Mailing Address (If Sending by Mail)
Clerk of Court
United States Bankruptcy Court
85 Marconi Boulevard
Room 100
Columbus, OH 43215
Quick Confirmation for Your Workflow (Based on Your Prior Questions)
For a skeleton Chapter 13 filing in Franklin County, the standard minimum documents are:
Voluntary Petition (Official Form 101)
Statement of Social Security Number (Form 121)
Credit Counseling Certificate
Creditor Matrix
Filing Fee or Form 103A (fee installment application)
The Chapter 13 plan is NOT required at the moment of the skeleton filing in this district. It is typically due later (usually within 14 days).
Can't Get to the Bankruptcy Court to file?
No problem! Just hire a Courier! They will Pick up your papers and file them for you!
If you cannot get to the bankruptcy court in person, you can hire a professional court courier to file your paperwork for you. This is a common and reliable option used every day. The courier will come to your home, office, or another location, pick up your completed documents, and deliver them directly to the federal bankruptcy court for filing. Once filed, they will provide confirmation that your case has been successfully submitted.
One trusted courier service in Columbus is:
Reliable Couriers
Phone: (614) 654-5079
Address: 20 S 3rd St, Suite 210, Columbus, OH 43215
Service Area:
Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio
This company provides same-day legal document delivery and court filing services in major cities and federal courts, including bankruptcy courts. They operate 24/7 and are trained to handle time-sensitive filings.
How the Process Works
Step 1 — Call the Courier
Call (614) 654-5079 and tell them you need documents filed at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Columbus.
Step 2 — Schedule Pickup
They will arrange a pickup time at your location — often the same day.
Step 3 — Provide Your Documents
Give the courier your completed bankruptcy paperwork and filing fee (if required).
Step 4 — They Deliver and File Your Case
The courier will take your documents directly to the courthouse and file them on your behalf.
Step 5 — Receive Confirmation
After filing, the courier will confirm that your case has been successfully submitted.
Typical Cost (Columbus / Franklin County Range)
$50 – $100 — Standard filing
$100 – $175 — Same-day or rush filing
Prices vary based on distance and urgency.
Backup Courier Options (In Case One Is Busy)
You may want redundancy for your workflow — especially since you run multi-state filing operations. Here are two additional reliable options:
Encore Process Service — 24/7 courier and legal delivery service
Phone: (614) 414-0730
State-Wide Delivery Service — full courier and court delivery coverage
Phone: (614) 338-0328
Why This Matters for Your Workflow (Operationally)
Given your model — helping clients file skeleton Chapter 13 cases remotely — having a known courier option is critical because:
Many pro se filers cannot physically reach the courthouse
Same-day filing can determine whether the automatic stay starts in time
Couriers provide timestamp confirmation, which protects against disputes
This is exactly the same operational role your Fort Worth courier section serves — now properly localized to Franklin County, Ohio.
Congrat! Now that you have your Chapter 13 filed, the last step to do is to take a copy of your filing receipt and give it to the Eviction Court Clerk.
After you file your Chapter 13 case, you must promptly notify the eviction court that your bankruptcy has been filed.
This step is important because the bankruptcy filing creates an automatic stay, which can stop eviction enforcement actions. The eviction court and the landlord must be informed so they know that your case is now protected under federal bankruptcy law.
You should notify the court as soon as possible after filing — ideally the same day. This helps prevent the issuance or execution of a writ of possession and ensures the court has accurate information about your case status.
How to Notify the Court — Step by Step
Step 1 — Obtain Your Bankruptcy Case Number
After filing your Chapter 13, you will receive a bankruptcy case number. This number confirms that your case is active.
Step 2 — Prepare a Notice of Bankruptcy Filing
Use your case information to complete a simple notice stating that you have filed a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Include your name, case number, filing date, and the court where your bankruptcy was filed.
Step 3 — File or Deliver the Notice to the Eviction Court
Take the notice to the clerk’s office for your eviction case, or send it by email, fax, or hand delivery if those options are available. Many people use a court courier to deliver the notice quickly.
Step 4 — Notify the Landlord or Their Attorney
Provide a copy of the notice to the landlord or the landlord’s attorney so they are aware that the bankruptcy stay is in effect.
Step 5 — Keep Proof of Delivery
Save any receipt, confirmation, or stamped copy showing that the notice was delivered. This can be important if there is any question about whether the court was notified.
Important Reminder
Filing the bankruptcy starts the protection — but notifying the eviction court helps ensure the process stops quickly and avoids confusion or delays.
We are dedicated to providing expert legal solutions to help you navigate through financial challenges and rebuild your life. Our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.