PETITION IN BANKRUPTCY

petition in bankruptcy. A formal written request, presented to a bankruptcy court, seeking protection for an insolvent debtor. • The debtor (in a voluntary bankruptcy) or the debtor’s creditors (in an involuntary bankruptcy) can file such a petition to initiate a bankruptcy proceeding. [Cases: Bankruptcy 2257, 2290. C.J.S. Bankruptcy §§ 51, 57.]