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Tennessee Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Filing Packet

Free legal self-help guide for Tennessee residents. This packet provides LSC-grade legal information to help you understand your rights and navigate the court system.


title: "Tennessee Bankruptcy Chapter 7 - LSC-Grade Legal Packet"

state: "TN"

category: "Bankruptcy"

date: "2026-03-20"

price: "$97"

lsc_grade: true


Tennessee Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Filing Packet

Jurisdiction-correct document templates. Not legal advice.


ELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST

  • [ ] You have lived in Tennessee for at least 91 of the last 180 days
  • [ ] Your household income is at or below the Tennessee median for your household size:
Household SizeTennessee Median Income (2026)
1 person$53,398
2 people$66,951
3 people$73,312
4 people$84,721
5+ peopleAdd $9,900 per additional person
  • [ ] If above median: you have completed Form 122A-2 means test and have insufficient disposable income for Chapter 13
  • [ ] You have NOT filed Chapter 7 in the last 8 years
  • [ ] You have NOT filed Chapter 13 in the last 6 years
  • [ ] Your case was NOT dismissed in the last 180 days for cause
  • [ ] You have completed a credit counseling course within the last 180 days

FORM 1: VOLUNTARY PETITION (Official Form 101) — BLANK TEMPLATE

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UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE

In re: )

) Case No.: _______________

[YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME], )

) Chapter 7

Debtor. )

VOLUNTARY PETITION

  1. DEBTOR INFORMATION

Name: [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME]

All other names used in the last 8 years: [LIST ANY OR "NONE"]

Street Address: [YOUR STREET ADDRESS]

City, State, Zip: [CITY], TN [ZIP CODE]

County: [YOUR COUNTY IN TN]

  1. FILING DISTRICT

[X] Eastern District of Tennessee

  1. CHAPTER SELECTION

[X] Chapter 7 - Liquidation

[ ] Chapter 11 - Reorganization

[ ] Chapter 12 - Family Farmer or Fisherman

[ ] Chapter 13 - Adjustment of Debts

  1. ENTITY TYPE

[X] Individual

[ ] Corporation

[ ] Partnership

[ ] Other

  1. ESTIMATED ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Estimated Assets: $[TOTAL VALUE OF EVERYTHING YOU OWN]

Estimated Liabilities: $[TOTAL AMOUNT OF ALL DEBTS]

  1. EXECUTION

I declare under penalty of perjury that the information is true and correct.

Date: _______________

______________________________________

Signature of Debtor

Print Name: ________________________

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--- PAGE BREAK ---

FORM 2: SCHEDULES A/B — PROPERTY (Official Form 106A/B) — BLANK TEMPLATE

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SCHEDULE A/B - PROPERTY

SCHEDULE A - REAL PROPERTY

If you have no real estate, write "NONE" below.

[ ] NONE

DescriptionAddressType of InterestCurrent Fair Market Value
[e.g., Primary residence][Street address, City, TN][e.g., Fee simple]$[VALUE]

SCHEDULE B - PERSONAL PROPERTY

Check all categories that apply and list items:

[ ] 1. Cash on hand: $______________

[ ] 2. Checking accounts: Bank: ________________ Amount: $______________

[ ] 3. Savings accounts: Bank: ________________ Amount: $______________

[ ] 4. Other deposit accounts: Describe: ________________ Amount: $______________

[ ] 5. Retirement accounts: Type: ________________ Value: $______________

[ ] 6. Stocks and bonds: Description: ________________ Value: $______________

[ ] 7. Vehicles:

Year: ____ Make: ____________ Model: ____________ Value: $______________

[ ] 8. Household goods and furnishings:

  • Furniture: $______________
  • Electronics: $______________
  • Appliances: $______________
  • Other: $______________

[ ] 9. Jewelry: Description: ________________ Value: $______________

[ ] 10. Clothing: Approximate value: $______________

[ ] 11. Books and art: Description: ________________ Value: $______________

[ ] 12. Sporting equipment: Description: ________________ Value: $______________

[ ] 13. Collectibles: Description: ________________ Value: $______________

[ ] 14. Interests in insurance policies: Type: ________________ Value: $______________

[ ] 15. Other contingent and unliquidated claims: Description: ________________ Value: $______________

[ ] 16. Other: Description: ________________ Value: $______________

TOTAL VALUE OF ALL PROPERTY: $______________

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--- PAGE BREAK ---

FORM 3: SCHEDULE C — EXEMPTIONS (Official Form 106C) — BLANK TEMPLATE

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SCHEDULE C - EXEMPT PROPERTY

IMPORTANT: Tennessee does NOT allow federal exemptions. You must claim Tennessee state exemptions ONLY.

List ALL property you claim as exempt under Tennessee law:

Description of PropertyTennessee StatuteValue of Claimed Exemption
[e.g., Homestead]T.C.A. § 26-2-301$35,000 (single)
[e.g., Motor vehicle]T.C.A. § 26-2-102(a)(1)$10,000 equity
[e.g., Household goods]T.C.A. § 26-2-102$10,000 total
[e.g., Tools of trade]T.C.A. § 26-2-102(a)(5)$10,000

TENNESSEE EXEMPTION LIMITS:

PropertyExemption AmountStatute
Homestead (single filer)$35,000T.C.A. § 26-2-301
Homestead (joint filers)$52,500T.C.A. § 26-2-301
Motor vehicle (one vehicle)$10,000 equityT.C.A. § 26-2-102(a)(1)
Household goods$10,000 totalT.C.A. § 26-2-102
Tools of trade$10,000T.C.A. § 26-2-102(a)(5)
Jewelry$1,000T.C.A. § 26-2-102
Wages75% of earned but unpaid wagesT.C.A. § 26-2-106
Public benefits100%T.C.A. § 26-2-104
Retirement accounts100%T.C.A. § 26-2-105

TOTAL VALUE OF ALL EXEMPT PROPERTY: $______________

Date: _______________

______________________________________

Signature of Debtor

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--- PAGE BREAK ---

FORM 4: SCHEDULE D — SECURED CLAIMS (Official Form 106D) — BLANK TEMPLATE

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SCHEDULE D - CREDITORS HOLDING SECURED CLAIMS

List ALL creditors with secured claims:

Creditor Name & Mailing AddressDate of LoanAccount NumberDebt OwedProperty Securing the DebtCurrent Value of PropertyUnsecured Portion
[e.g., ABC Mortgage Co.][Date][Number]$[AMOUNT][Property address]$[VALUE]$[DIFFERENCE]
123 Main Street
Anytown, TN 12345

TOTAL SECURED DEBTS: $______________

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--- PAGE BREAK ---

FORM 5: SCHEDULE E/F — UNSECURED CLAIMS (Official Form 106E/F) — BLANK TEMPLATE

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SCHEDULE E/F - CREDITORS HOLDING UNSECURED CLAIMS

SCHEDULE E - PRIORITY CLAIMS

[ ] NONE - Check if no priority claims

Creditor Name & AddressAccount NumberDate Debt IncurredDebt OwedPurpose of DebtCode
[e.g., IRS for back taxes][Number][Date]$[AMOUNT][Description][ ] Tax
[ ] Domestic support

SCHEDULE F - UNSECURED NONPRIORITY CLAIMS

Creditor Name & AddressAccount NumberDate Debt IncurredDebt OwedPurpose of Debt
[e.g., Visa credit card][Number][Date]$[AMOUNT][Description]
[Bank Name]
123 Main St

TOTAL UNSECURED DEBTS: $______________

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--- PAGE BREAK ---

FORM 6: SCHEDULE I — INCOME (Official Form 106I) — BLANK TEMPLATE

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SCHEDULE I - YOUR INCOME

  1. EMPLOYMENT INCOME
Debtor's IncomeOccupationName of EmployerAddressHow Often PaidGross Pay
[Your name][Job title][Employer name][Address][Weekly/Biweekly]$[PER PAY]
Spouse's Income[Job title][Employer name][Address][Weekly/Biweekly]$[PER PAY]
  1. INCOME FROM OPERATION OF BUSINESS

[ ] NONE

If any, describe: ________________________________ Amount: $______________

  1. OTHER INCOME (specify source and amount):
SourceAmount per Month
[e.g., Pension, Social Security, Rental income]$[AMOUNT]

TOTAL MONTHLY INCOME: $______________

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--- PAGE BREAK ---

FORM 7: SCHEDULE J — EXPENSES (Official Form 106J) — BLANK TEMPLATE

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SCHEDULE J - YOUR EXPENDITURES

CategoryCurrent Monthly Expense
Food (including groceries, household supplies)$______________
Clothing and personal care$______________
Mortgage or rent$______________
Utilities (electric, gas, water, phone, internet)$______________
Car payments$______________
Gas, oil, maintenance, insurance$______________
Health insurance premiums$______________
Medical co-pays and prescriptions$______________
Taxes (if not deducted from pay)$______________
Childcare$______________
Education (tuition, books, fees)$______________
Alimony, maintenance, and support paid to others$______________
Other (describe): ____________________________$______________

TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES: $______________

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FORM 8: STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS (Official Form 107) — BLANK TEMPLATE

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS

QUESTION 1: INCOME OTHER THAN FROM EMPLOYMENT

[ ] NONE If any: Source: ______________ Amount: $__________ Frequency: __________

QUESTION 2: RECENT EMPLOYMENT INCOME (last 2 years)

YearSourceGross Income
[2026][Employer name]$[AMOUNT]
[2025][Employer name]$[AMOUNT]

QUESTION 3: PAYMENTS TO CREDITORS (within 90 days before filing)

[ ] NONE

CreditorDateAmount

QUESTION 4: SUITS, ATTACHMENTS, AND EXECUTIONS

[ ] NONE Are you party to any lawsuit? [ ] Yes [ ] No

QUESTION 5: REPOSSESSIONS, FORECLOSURES (last year)

[ ] NONE

QUESTION 7: GIFTS OVER $600 (last year)

[ ] NONE

QUESTION 10: BANK ACCOUNTS (opened/closed or balance over $500 in last year)

[ ] NONE

QUESTION 12: PROPERTY TRANSFERRED (last 2 years)

[ ] NONE

EXECUTION

I declare under penalty of perjury that the information is true and correct.

Date: _______________

______________________________________

Signature of Debtor

Print Name: ________________________

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--- PAGE BREAK ---

FORM 9: DECLARATION (Official Form 106Dec) — BLANK TEMPLATE

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DECLARATION ABOUT SCHEDULES

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

Eastern District of Tennessee

Case No.: _______________

In re: [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME], Debtor

I, [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME], declare under penalty of perjury that:

  1. I am the debtor in this case.
  2. I have read the schedules of assets and liabilities, schedule of current income

and expenditures, and statement of financial affairs filed with this declaration.

  1. To the best of my knowledge and information, the schedules and statement are

true and correct.

  1. The amount of scheduled debts is approximately $______________.
  2. I have not omitted any creditor or asset from these schedules.

Date: _______________

______________________________________

Signature of Debtor

Print Name: ________________________

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--- PAGE BREAK ---

FORM 10: SUMMARY OF SCHEDULES (Official Form 106Sum) — BLANK TEMPLATE

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SUMMARY OF SCHEDULES

UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

Eastern District of Tennessee

Case No.: _______________

In re: [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME], Debtor

ASSETS

ScheduleTotal Amount
Schedule A/B - Real and Personal Property$______________
Schedule C - Property Claimed as Exempt$______________
TOTAL ASSETS$______________

LIABILITIES

Schedule D - Secured Claims$______________
Schedule E - Priority Unsecured Claims$______________
Schedule F - Nonpriority Unsecured Claims$______________
TOTAL LIABILITIES$______________

INCOME AND EXPENSES

Schedule I - Current Monthly Income$______________
Schedule J - Current Monthly Expenses$______________
NET MONTHLY INCOME$______________

I declare under penalty of perjury that the information is true and correct.

Date: _______________

______________________________________

Signature of Debtor

Print Name: ________________________

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--- PAGE BREAK ---

FILING STEPS

  1. Find an approved credit counseling agency at justice.gov/ust and complete the 60–90 minute course; save your certificate (valid 180 days).
  2. Gather pay stubs (last 7 months), last 2–3 years of tax returns, bank statements (6 months), full debt list with creditor addresses, and all asset documentation.
  3. Calculate the means test: compare average monthly income to TN median; if above median, complete Form 122A-2.
  4. Complete Forms 101, 106A/B through 106J, 107, 106Dec, 106Sum, and means test forms (122A-1 and 122A-2 if required).
  5. File in person at the bankruptcy clerk's office or via CM/ECF; pay the $338 filing fee (installments or fee waiver available via Form 103A or 103B).
  6. Within 14 days of filing, send your assigned trustee: last 2 years of tax returns and pay stubs from 60 days before filing.
  7. Attend the 341 Meeting of Creditors (scheduled by the court); bring photo ID and Social Security card.
  8. Complete the required debtor education course (separate from credit counseling) and file the certificate.
  9. Await discharge order (typically 60–90 days after the 341 meeting if no objections).

COURT INFORMATION

CountyCourt NameFiling Fee
All TN CountiesU.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District$338

Knoxville (Main Office): 800 Market Street, Suite 130, Knoxville, TN 37902 — (865) 545-4290

Satellite offices: Chattanooga, Nashville, Greenville. All TN cases filed in Eastern District regardless of county.


FILING CHECKLIST

  • [ ] Form 101 - Voluntary Petition (original)
  • [ ] Schedules A/B through J
  • [ ] Schedule Summary (Form 106Sum)
  • [ ] Declaration (Form 106Dec)
  • [ ] Statement of Financial Affairs (Form 107)
  • [ ] Form 122A-1 (Current Monthly Income)
  • [ ] Form 122A-2 (Means Test - if income above median)
  • [ ] Credit Counseling Certificate (Form 423)
  • [ ] Statement of Intention (if you have secured debts)
  • [ ] Mailing matrix (list of all creditor addresses)
  • [ ] Filing fee ($338) or fee waiver application
  • [ ] Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
  • [ ] Social Security card or proof of SSN
  • [ ] Copies of last 2 years of tax returns (for trustee)
  • [ ] Pay stubs from 60 days before filing (for trustee)

STATUTE REFERENCES

Federal Bankruptcy Law

TopicStatute
Chapter 7 Eligibility11 U.S.C. § 109
Means Test11 U.S.C. § 707(b)
Automatic Stay11 U.S.C. § 362
Discharge11 U.S.C. § 727
Debts Not Dischargeable11 U.S.C. § 523
Credit Counseling Required11 U.S.C. § 109(h)

Tennessee State Exemptions

TopicStatute
Tennessee ExemptionsT.C.A. § 26-2-101 et seq.
Homestead ExemptionT.C.A. § 26-2-301
Motor Vehicle ExemptionT.C.A. § 26-2-102(a)(1)
Personal Property ExemptionsT.C.A. § 26-2-102
Tools of Trade ExemptionT.C.A. § 26-2-102(a)(5)
Wages ExemptionT.C.A. § 26-2-106
Public Benefits ExemptionT.C.A. § 26-2-104
Retirement Funds ExemptionT.C.A. § 26-2-105

DISCLAIMER

Jurisdiction-correct document templates. Not legal advice.

  • Jurist-Diction is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice.
  • Bankruptcy laws are complex and have long-term financial consequences.
  • These documents may not be appropriate for your specific situation.
  • Laws change frequently. Verify current law before filing.
  • Filing bankruptcy incorrectly can result in denial of discharge or criminal charges.

Need help? Find free legal aid at lawhelp.org or call 211.

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