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List of creditors

The list of names and addresses of the debtor's creditors, filed with the bankruptcy petition. Courts also call it the creditor matrix or mailing matrix. 1 2

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How it works

Filing it is one of the debtor's duties. In a voluntary case it goes in with the petition and gives the name and address of each person or business that is or will be on Schedules D, E/F, G and H. The clerk uses it to send notice of the case to every creditor listed. 1 3

Accuracy matters. A debt that was neither listed nor scheduled in time for the creditor to file a timely proof of claim is not discharged, unless the creditor had notice or actual knowledge of the case in time. 4

Each court sets its own format and filing method. One court says the matrix should have no account numbers and no more than five lines per address. Another wants it filed within 2 days after the case is filed and prefers email from filers without a lawyer. 5 6

The list is not the same as the schedules, the detailed lists of assets, liabilities and other financial information. Court staff can point you to the instructions but cannot give legal advice. 7 8

Common questions

What if I leave a creditor off?

That debt may not be discharged, unless the creditor had notice or actual knowledge of the case in time to file a claim. If you find a missing creditor, ask a lawyer or check your court's instructions on amending your filing. 4

Do co-signers go on the creditor matrix?

Yes. One court describes the matrix as an alphabetical list of all your creditors and any co-debtors listed on your schedules. 2

Do I list a debt I plan to keep paying?

The rule calls for each entity on those schedules and makes no exception for debts you want to keep paying. 1

Related reading

Completing the petition and schedulesAmending your filingCommon pro se mistakes, and what they costAll bankruptcy terms

Sources

  1. 11 U.S. Code § 521(a)(1)(A) (Cornell LII)
  2. What is a Creditor's Matrix? (U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of California)
  3. Chapter 7 - Bankruptcy Basics (uscourts.gov)
  4. 11 U.S. Code § 523(a)(3) (Cornell LII)
  5. Mailing Matrix Guidelines (U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Columbia)
  6. List of Creditors Instructions (U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Utah)
  7. Glossary of Legal Terms (uscourts.gov)
  8. Filing Without an Attorney

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