Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Discharge Timeline

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy case is typically the quickest and simplest type of bankruptcy in Sacramento. After filing bankruptcy, you can typically expect to have your eligible debts discharged within four to six months. A few things that can slow down your Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge are additional documentation requests from the trustee, if the bankruptcy trustee assigned to your case has to sell property in order to pay your creditors, or if you are in the process of a bankruptcy-related lawsuit.

Starting the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Process

Overall, the Chapter 7 bankruptcy process is relatively straightforward. As with all bankruptcies, the first step is to complete a mandatory credit counseling course within 180 days of filing your case paperwork. Once you have completed this course, you will work with your bankruptcy attorney to complete your official bankruptcy forms that describe your assets, liabilities, and financial affairs. Once you have completed your paperwork and bankruptcy schedules, you will then mail your bankruptcy trustee your income tax returns and any other requested documents.

Finishing the Chapter 7 bankruptcy Process

Within 30 days of filing, you will be called on to make your court appearance called the 341 Meeting of the Creditors. These meeting typically last just a few minutes and will require you to answer any questions that the bankruptcy trustee has for you. If the bankruptcy trustee doesn’t ask for additional documentation, it’s safe to assume that you are well on your way to getting a bankruptcy discharge.

Within 60 days of the 341 Meeting of Creditors, you must complete a budget counseling course, which can be done online or on the phone. Once this is completed you mail a form to the U.S. bankruptcy courts informing them that you have completed the course and await your discharge papers. Assuming that you provided all necessary information and completed each step, you can expect a discharge of your debts through Chapter 7 bankruptcy within 90 days of the Creditor’s meeting.