how fast does the bankruotcy attorney process your case

by Prof. Muhammad Beatty 4 min read

Most Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases take between 4 - 6 months to complete after filing the case with the court. The order erasing eligible debts can be granted as early as 90 days from the date the case was filed. No-asset cases are typically closed a couple of weeks after the discharge date.

Most cases follow the same basic timeline. “Normally, the process takes about four months,” Cibik said. “Once you file your Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the meeting of creditors with the Chapter 7 trustee is approximately 30-45 days later.Feb 8, 2022

Full Answer

How long does a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case take?

Mar 15, 2017 · If you are in a long-term bankruptcy case, such as a Chapter 13 Debt Consolidation, it can take up to 5 years from the time you file a case before you receive a discharge. As a result, one of the other conversations I have regularly is with clients who have checked their credit and then call me worried and upset that a particular creditor is still …

What can I expect from a bankruptcy attorney?

Jan 29, 2015 · Chapter 7 bankruptcy can take as little as three months, but may last up to six months depending on the way that you file. In a limited asset case, creditors have nothing to follow up on and everything is said and done in roughly four months. For asset-based filing, the entire process may take longer because there is more to process.

How long will my bankruptcy hearing take?

While bankruptcy attorneys may be able to file a bankruptcy case on an emergency basis, we may not want to. Here’s why. An old aphorism says, “A lack of planning on your part does not justify an emergency on my part.”. Many client emergencies are made such only because the potential client waited until the last minute to call.

How do bankruptcy attorneys file bankruptcies?

You can count on a typical Chapter 7 bankruptcy case taking four to six months from the time you file to the time you get your discharge. How Long Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Take? | Nolo Grow Your Legal Practice

How long does it take to come back from filing bankruptcy?

Once filed, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes about 4 - 6 months to complete. The bankruptcy discharge is granted 3 - 4 months after filing in most cases.Oct 1, 2021

What automatically happens when a bankruptcy petition is filed?

The automatic stay stops your creditors immediately and prohibits them from initiating or continuing any collection activities against you. In other words, it stops your creditors in their tracks.Feb 7, 2019

How long does it take to get a discharge after 341 meeting?

between 60 - 90 daysHow long after the 341 meeting do I get my discharge? Your Chapter 7 discharge order will be granted between 60 - 90 days after your 341 meeting. The earliest your discharge can be entered is after the deadline to object to your discharge has passed. You can find this date on your Form 309A under “Deadlines.”Oct 1, 2021

How long does it take to close a Chapter 7 case?

about four to six monthsFor most filers, a Chapter 7 case will end when you receive your discharge—the order that forgives qualified debt—about four to six months after filing the bankruptcy paperwork. Although most cases close after that, your case might remain open longer if you have property that you can't protect (nonexempt assets).

What happens to your bank account when you file Chapter 7?

In most Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases, nothing happens to the filer's bank account. As long as the money in your account is protected by an exemption, your bankruptcy filing won't affect it.Feb 6, 2021

What happens after a company files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Under Chapter 7, the company stops all operations and goes completely out of business. A trustee is appointed to "liquidate" (sell) the company's assets and the money is used to pay off the debt, which may include debts to creditors and investors. ... The owners are last in line to be repaid if the company fails.Feb 3, 2009

Does trustee check your bank account?

Please be aware that your trustee does not have access to your personal account. A separate account is opened to manage your bankrupt estate.

What can you not do after 341 meeting?

Resolve a Creditor Objection After the 341 Meeting Even if the trustee is satisfied with your bankruptcy papers and concludes the 341 hearing, creditors can file an objection to your discharge up to 60 days after your initial meeting of creditors. Objections to discharge are the exception rather than the norm.

Does trustee check credit report?

In both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies, it's the trustee's duty to review your bankruptcy forms and investigate and verify your financial information. One of the trustee's responsibilities in doing this is to make sure your bankruptcy claim is not fraudulent.Nov 20, 2020

How Does Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Work?

In Chapter 7 bankruptcy you can wipe out most of your nonpriority, unsecured debts, such as credit card balances, personal loans, and medical bills...

When Does The Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Process Start?

Your Chapter 7 bankruptcy case begins when you file the bankruptcy petition and schedules with the bankruptcy court. The documents provide details...

Attending The 341 Meeting of Creditors Hearing

After you file the petition, the court will notify your creditors that all collection activities against you must stop. The court will set the date...

Filing Your Financial Management Course Completion Certificate

Once you receive the notice of your 341 meeting of creditors, you’re free to complete your financial management course—the second of the two course...

When Your Chapter 7 Case Might Take Longer

Even though most cases are over in less than five months, it isn’t always the case. Here are a few common situations that could cause your Chapter...

What to expect during bankruptcy?

Most importantly, if you have any questions, you can expect your attorney to respond to your calls or emails promptly.

What do bankruptcy attorneys do?

Almost all bankruptcy attorneys have specialized software that prepares and files your required bankruptcy paperwork with the court. You'll provide your attorney with all of your financial information, such as income, expense, asset, and debt information.

How to file for bankruptcy?

First, you can expect your attorney to tell you whether filing for bankruptcy would be in your best interest. If it is, you should also learn: 1 whether Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or another type will help you achieve your financial goals 2 what you can expect during the bankruptcy process, and 3 whether your case involves any particular difficulties or risks.

What is the mandatory hearing for bankruptcy?

After filing for bankruptcy, all debtors must attend a mandatory hearing called the 341 meeting of creditors. But, depending on your case, you (or your attorney) might need to go to additional hearings. Some common types of hearings you can expect your attorney to represent you at: Chapter 13 confirmation hearings.

What is a retainer agreement?

In general, your retainer agreement (the contract you and your attorney sign) will outline the services your bankruptcy attorney will provide . Your attorney's job is also to provide you with competent advice throughout the bankruptcy process.

Can an attorney text you?

Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Is filing for bankruptcy a good idea?

Filing for bankruptcy is a great way to get out from under burdensome debt, and most people feel a tremendous sense of relief when their bankruptcy case is over. But understanding the process and filling out the bankruptcy forms can be daunting. That's where a bankruptcy lawyer comes in. Not only will you receive legal advice, ...

How long does a bankruptcy hearing last?

This is scheduled about thirty to forty-five days after the filing of your case. This is a public hearing that will give your creditors an opportunity to question you under oath regarding your bankruptcy petition. In Chapter 11 cases it generally lasts one to two hours.

What is discharge in bankruptcy?

The discharge is usually the main objective of filing the Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is the end of your case.

What are the operating reports for Chapter 11 bankruptcy?

During your Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, you must prepare and file with the court monthly operating reports. These reports reflect your income and expenses for that particular month. The reports are available to your creditors, the court, and the United States Trustee. The reports allow these entities to assess whether or not they think your proposed plan of reorganization will be feasible. Since feasibility is required to get your plan approved by the judge, you should pay close attention to your monthly operating reports. Most debtors find it advantageous to obtain court permission to pay an accountant to complete these.

How to file Chapter 11?

The Chapter 11 Petition. You must prepare your petition by completing a list of all of your (or your company's) assets, debts, income, and expenses along with a summary of your financial affairs. Once you have completed this task and reviewed all of the documents for accuracy, you can file your petition with bankruptcy clerk's office.

What is a disclosure statement?

The disclosure statement explains how creditors may participate in the bankruptcy and provides information about how the creditor's rights may be adversely affected.

What is a cramdown in a reorganization?

If a creditor doesn't like how it's treated in your plan, you can file a motion asking the judge to force the creditor to accept the plan. If the judge does force the creditor to accept the plan, this is called a cramdown.

What happens if you default on your mortgage?

If you default on payments, then the creditor may sue you on that basis and you will have little recourse. Depending on what type of debts you reorganized through the bankruptcy, your payments may continue for many years. Debts like mortgages or car notes typically get re-amortized over an extended period.

The Credit Counseling Course

  • If you are filing for Chapter 11 as an individual (not for your business), you must complete a credit counseling course by an approved agency prior to filing your case. If you are filing the Chapter 11 to reorganize the debts of a business, you do not have to take this counseling.
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The Chapter 11 Petition

  • You must prepare your petition by completing a list of all of your (or your company’s) assets, debts, income, and expenses along with a summary of your financial affairs. Once you have completed this task and reviewed all of the documents for accuracy, you can file your petition with bankruptcy clerk’s office. In most circumstances, the filing of the petition triggers what is referre…
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Monthly Operating Reports

  • During your Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, you must prepare and file with the court monthly operating reports. These reports reflect your income and expenses for that particular month. The reports are available to your creditors, the court, and the United States Trustee. The reports allow these entities to assess whether or not they think your proposed plan of reorganization will be fe…
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The Initial Debtor Interview and Meeting of Creditors

  • Many debtors will be required to attend an initial debtor interview. This is an opportunity for the United States Trustee to meet with the debtor to learn some preliminary information about the case and make sure the debtor understands its responsibilities. After that, you must attend the 341 meeting of creditors. This is scheduled about thirty to forty-five days after the filing of your …
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The Disclosure Statement and Disclosure Hearing

  • You must file a disclosure statementalong with a proposed plan of reorganization and mail these documents to every party in interest, including all of your creditors. The disclosure statement explains how creditors may participate in the bankruptcy and provides information about how the creditor’s rights may be adversely affected. There will be a hearing on the disclosure statement …
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The Proposed Plan of Reorganization

  • The plan of reorganization states how you propose to treat each of your creditors. The creditors are placed in classes according to whether they are a priority debt creditor, a secured debt creditor, or an unsecured debt creditor. If a creditor doesn't like how it's treated in your plan, you can file a motion asking the judge to force the creditor to accept the plan. If the judge does forc…
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The Confirmation Hearing

  • At your confirmation hearing, you ask the judge to approve your plan of reorganization. Unless you have obtained votes of acceptance from each of your creditor classes, the judge will not approve your plan. At that point, you can file a motion for cram down of the non-accepting classes and the court will reschedule the confirmation hearing. If the creditor doesn't respond to a motion for cra…
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Making Payments Under The Plan

  • Once the judge has approved your plan, you will start making payments to the creditors according to how they are treated in the confirmed plan. This constitutes a new contract with each of your creditors. If you default on payments, then the creditor may sue you on that basis and you will have little recourse. Depending on what type of debts you reorganized through the bankruptcy, y…
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