The Bankruptcy Timeline
Information about the Bankruptcy Timeline
If you decide to file Chapter 7, your debts could be discharged and your case resolved in as little as 6 months. With
Chapter 13 reorganization, it could take 3 to 5 years. At the Law Office of Joseph P. Doyle, we have focused our practice on bankruptcy, and have the timeline down to a science. Our experienced
Dupage County bankruptcy lawyer will guide you through the process and deadlines. Below we have listed the basic bankruptcy timeline, before and after filing.
Before Filing
- 180 days before filing - You must complete a credit counseling course with an approved agency in order to file for bankruptcy. This must be done within 180 days before filing a bankruptcy petition.
- 90 days before filing - In the state of Illinois, you must be a resident for more than 90 days before you are eligible to file for bankruptcy.
After Filing
- 14 days after filing - You must file with the bankruptcy court certain information about your assets, income, expenses, and liabilities within 14 days of filing a petition. In a Chapter 13, you must also file a repayment schedule.
- 30 days after filing - In a Chapter 7, you are required to file a Statement of Intention with the court within 30 days after filing your petition. This is to advise the court whether you intend to surrender certain property, or keep it by continuing to make payments. In a Chapter 13, you must make the first payment under your payment plan within 30 days of filing the plan.
- 21 to 50 days after filing - The court will hold a Meeting of Creditors. For Chapter 7 cases, this must occur within 21 to 40 days after filing. For Chapter 13 cases, this meeting must take place within 21 to 50 days after filing. A court-appointed trustee will preside over the meeting. You will testify under oath regarding the accuracy of the statements in your petition.
- 6 months after filing - Discharge of debts in a Chapter 7 usually occurs about 6 months after filing a petition, depending on your case.
- 3 to 5 years after filing - Chapter 13 debts are discharged when the repayment schedule is complete. This can happen anywhere from 3 to 5 years from the date of filing.
Contact our firm for personal, one-on-one counsel from a Dupage County bankruptcy attorney who cares, and focuses on getting you the most debt relief possible through bankruptcy or an alternative.