The Chapter 7 Timeline

Almost all Chapter 7 bankruptcies follow a predicable process from start to finish. Our experienced team of Orange County Bankruptcy Attorneys can help you to understand what to expect at every step in your case. If you have unique circumstances, such as an emergency filing, your case may not follow the exact steps outlined below. But, by knowing what to expect, you can gain a better understanding of the bankruptcy process and what you will be expected to do during the course of your Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing.

1.        Before you file: Take an approved credit counseling/debt management course. You will need to take the class within 180 days of filing for bankruptcy, unless it is an emergency filing, to which special circumstances apply.

2.        File your petition. This will typically be done by your Orange County Bankruptcy Attorney, but if you are filing on your own behalf, be prepared - there are a large number of forms and you will be required to supply an extensive amount of information. Our team can help you to gather than information and will file your Chapter 7 bankruptcy for you, so that you don't have to worry about clerical error delaying or jeopardizing your case.

3.        The case evaluation: Your case will be checked to ensure that you meet the guidelines for filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you are relying on our firm to file the petition, you don't need to worry about any surprises here - we'll make sure you qualify before your case is filed.

4.        You must attend the Meeting of Creditors. The bankruptcy trustee will ask you questions about your estate, and creditors may ask you questions about your financial situation. However, it is rare for creditors to actually show up at this meeting and usually the process is fairly swift. If you have retained legal representation with our firm, your Orange County Bankruptcy Attorney will be present at this meeting alongside you.

5.        Your Assets may be Disbursed. If your case is determined to be an asset case, the bankruptcy trustee will take possession of your non-exempt property and sell it for the benefit of your creditors. If you have a no-asset case, you will get to keep your possessions and the case will proceed.

6.        Your Chapter 7 bankruptcy is Discharged. Generally speaking, unless there are complications, you will receive a discharge of your case fairly quickly - usually within a few months after the Meeting of Creditors takes place.