How Long Does Bankruptcy Take

HOW MUCH TIME OR HOW LONG DOES A CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY TAKE?

ANSWER: About 3 months, give or take 7 days, from official filing date until discharge date.

Example: If you filed January 1, 2017, you would have a Creditors Hearing about 30 days later in early February. After the hearing your case has a 60-day window where nothing usually happens, and then the Court enters a discharge around April 1, 2017, give or take 10 days.

1. Official filing date
2. Creditors hearing (30 to 40 days later)
3. Discharge date – Case closed (around 60 days after creditors hearing)

How can I get it done in this 90-day time frame?

1. Hire an attorney and pay him or her.
2. Do your credit counseling and debtor education class timely.
3. Get your attorney all the paperwork he or she needs to prepare your petition.
4. A Chapter 7 moves quickly; it’s up to you not to procrastinate.

How many Chapter 7’s can I file?

Answer: You can only file Chapter 7 once every 8 years.