Proof of Claim

Creditor who wants to receive a distribution must file a Proof of Claim before bar date The bar date will be provided in the 1st Notice to Creditors
 * Usually 3 months from date of filing - as dictated by local bankruptcy rules

Don't need a lawyer to fill it out, just need to assert:"'you are owed $5,000 for goods sold and delivered on ___ date. A copy of the invoice is attached hereto'"If creditor forgets to fill it out, trustee or debtor can fill it out for him

If debtor does not do this, he may be prevented from getting the debt discharged

Code does not require secured creditors to file proof of claim but should do so in an abundance of caution

Especially if the secured claim exceeds the value of the collateral
 * In this case, the secured creditor is an unsecured creditor to the extent of the deficiency