Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Timeline

The bankruptcy court will notify each of your creditors immediately once you have filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

• 30 days after filing a petition for Chapter 13 bankruptcy: You are required to make your first payment to the trustee under the Chapter 13 plan. You will also be required to take a second credit counseling course at this point in time called the Debtor Education Course.
• Approximately four to six weeks after filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy: You must meet with the Chapter 13 Trustee at what is known as a, “341 Meeting of Creditors”.

Although it is called the Meeting of Creditors, Creditors typically do not attend this meeting and this meeting is used to verify your identity and review your petition. Creditors have 120 days to file a proof of claim with the bankruptcy court, this lets the Court know that you owe that Creditor money.

• Approximately six to eight months after filing: Your case will go to a Confirmation Hearing, where your plan is solidified so that changes are more difficult to make. You are not required to attend this meeting, your attorney will attend this on your behalf. 
• Within three to five years of filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy: You will conclude your payment regimen and obtain a final discharge from the bankruptcy court.