What is the first step in the bankruptcy procedure?

The first step in the bankruptcy procedure is filing a petition. This is a critical action that officially initiates the bankruptcy process and sets the legal framework in motion. Once the petition is filed with the bankruptcy court, it serves multiple purposes, including the establishment of the debtor's financial status and a formal request for relief under bankruptcy laws.

Filing the petition triggers an automatic stay, which halts most collection actions against the debtor, providing them with a breathing space to reorganize their finances or liquidate assets. It also requires the debtor to disclose their assets, liabilities, and other financial information, which is essential for the court's review and determination of how to handle the bankruptcy case.

The other steps mentioned are subsequent to filing the petition. Preparing a Plan of Reorganization is necessary for certain chapters of bankruptcy, such as Chapter 11, but it is not the first step. Establishing Relief from Automatic Stay occurs after the petition is filed if a creditor wishes to take action against the debtor's property. Submitting a Proof of Claim is a step creditors take to assert their rights in the bankruptcy process but comes after the petition has been filed. Thus, the correct answer is filing a petition, as it is the foundational first action in initiating a bankruptcy