How Long Does Chapter 7 or 13 Bankruptcy Take?

From the time you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the process takes approximately 3-4 months, depending on various factors. At that point, you are ready for a fresh start, free of debt. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy involves a reorganization of debt. Your payment plan will be 3-5 years. At Coggins & Johnston law firm in Rocklin, California, an experienced bankruptcy attorney will explain the timeline in more detail and how it affects you.

Call (916) 797-1397 for a free consultation with a bankruptcy attorney.

A typical Chapter 7 bankruptcy follows this timeline:

1. Free Consultation with an experienced bankruptcy attorney at our office;
   
2. Fill out a bankruptcy packet and meet with one of our assistants to review your paperwork and verify that all information has been provided;
   
3. Meet with your attorney and review your petition to be sure all information is accurate and ready to file;
   
4. File your bankruptcy;
   
5. Approximately 30 days after filing attend an informal meeting with the United States Trustee (average length of meeting is 4-7 minutes);
6. 60 Days later your Discharge is processed;
   
7. Fresh Start!

Are you eligible to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
If you have not filed for Chapter 7 in the past eight years, you are eligible if you meet the means test. You would be eligible to file for Chapter 13 if you have not filed in the past six years and secured and unsecured debts fall below the legal limits.

You will need to take credit counseling and be a California resident.
Before you sign up for credit counseling, talk to a bankruptcy lawyer at our law firm. We can recommend on-line or phone counseling. You need to be a California resident at least 90 days before filing. If you plan to pay any creditor prior to filing, talk to a lawyer first. Paying one creditor and not others could jeopardize your bankruptcy.

The day you file, the automatic stay goes into effect.
Automatic stay protection means that creditors and debt collectors cannot call you asking for payment. The court will send notices to all your listed creditors. If they call, refer them to your attorney. The stress of bill collection will stop when you file for bankruptcy.

The process includes your intentions and creditors' meetings.
Talk to your attorney about reaffirming a secured debt if you wish to keep the property. Creditors will inform the court of any concerns they may have. When creditors have submitted their proofs of claim and your non-exempt property has been liquidated, the Chapter 7 bankruptcy will be final. Your lawyer will keep you informed about the progress of your filing.

Before you decide to file, contact a bankruptcy lawyer. Know your options.
The first consultation is free at Coggins & Johnston law firm. It will give you a chance to get answers to your questions and make an informed, educated decision about your future. No matter what your decision, we can help you end the financial struggle and get a fresh start.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

The Coggins & Johnston law firm in Rocklin, California, represents bankruptcy and foreclosure clients in Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Granite Bay, Lincoln, Citrus Heights, Davis, Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Woodland, Carmichael, North Highlands, Yuba City, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, El Dorado Hills, Auburn, Placerville, Gold River, Loomis, CA, and other communities in Placer County, Sacramento County, Yolo County, El Dorado County, Yuba County, Central California and Northern California.