The Basic Timeline Of A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case

Are you in the process of preparing to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy? If so, you should make sure you research how it will affect you, and you should gain an understanding of the basic timeline you will follow in the process. Here are the steps you will complete in the process of a Chapter 7 case and knowing these steps will help you understand the basic timeline of a Chapter 7 case.

Consult with an attorney and make the decision

The timeline of a Chapter 7 case should always begin with an initial appointment with a bankruptcy lawyer. During this initial appointment, you will learn all the details and facets of bankruptcy, and you will then get the opportunity to think it through and make a decision about it. If you are ready to go through with filing, you would need to schedule another appointment with the lawyer and bring all your paperwork with you. The lawyer would then fill out the forms for you.

Complete a state-approved course in credit counseling

Before the lawyer can go through with filing the necessary forms, you would have to find a state-approved credit counseling course to take. You would then have to complete the course and wait for your lawyer to receive notification from the school that you completed it. Once this is complete and the lawyer has everything needed for your case, you can move on to the next step.

File the papers

From the point at which you initially meet with a lawyer to the point at which you are ready to file, several weeks or even months might pass. This will depend on how quickly you make your decision and on how quickly you complete the credit counseling course. Once you do these things, your lawyer will file the documents with the court, and this will initiate the start of your Chapter 7 case.

Attend a hearing

The next step you must complete involves going to bankruptcy court. There is typically just one court hearing to attend in Chapter 7, and you must attend it in order to proceed with your case.

Complete a second state-approved course

The final step you must do is complete a second course in credit counseling through a state-approved program. Once you do this, the school with notify your lawyer, and the trustee will then continue working on processing your case. It may take a few months for the case to end from this point.

Choosing to file for this branch of bankruptcy may offer the exact type of relief you need. If you want more details and information, talk to a bankruptcy attorney​.

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