Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Timeline
Discuss Debt Relief with An Experienced Bankruptcy Attorney
If you are seeking debt relief, filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a relatively short process. In fact, the entire case, from beginning to end, can usually be completed in six months or less. Timing, however, is critical, and it is important that certain actions are taken at the correct time throughout the process to ensure the bankruptcy is completed on time.
SunCoast Law, Orlando is skilled at initiating and following the procedures required through each stage of the bankruptcy proceeding.
We’ve been helping clients get relief from debt since 1999 and know the steps to be taken to ensure a successful bankruptcy petition is filed. We have helped thousands of people get the help they need quickly and efficiently, and we know what to expect every step of the way.
Our debt relief attorneys make sure that you’re informed throughout every part of the process and get the information you need to respond to requests for information documentation accordingly.
We’d like to discuss debt relief options through Chapter 7 bankruptcy with you. Please call (844) 330-2727 for a free consultation today.
What to expect?
Although public records are checked to ensure clients have not filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the previous eight years, the timeline for those who have no prior history usually begins about six months before the actual bankruptcy filing.
Initial Consultation - The First Step
Before you can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must meet with an experienced and local Florida bankruptcy attorney. They will determine if you are eligible for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, as well as carefully examine your financial situation as a whole.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Filing Timeline
- Notice of Representation: Sun Coast Law sends out notice to all your creditors, informing them you are now represented by an attorney. The law requires the creditor to immediately cease contact with you and make contact with Sun Coast Law moving forward. This should stop all the collection calls. If a creditor makes contact after a notice has been sent, Sun Coast Law files a debt harassment claim, and you would be entitled to up to $1,000 in damages.
- 180 Days prior to filing bankruptcy: You are required to get credit counseling from an agency approved by the court.
- 90 Days prior to filing bankruptcy: You will need to have established Florida state residency for at least 90 days before filing (if filing in Florida). You should also not make charges to your credit card accounts within a period of 90 days prior to filing bankruptcy. Some courts may not discharge these recent charges if you do.
- Filing your petition for Chapter 7 bankruptcy: At this point, your attorney will formally file your case, which sets the bankruptcy process in motion. A court will enter an automatic stay on your behalf that stops any and all:
- Collection efforts by creditors and collection agencies
- Repossession activity
- Lawsuits
- Foreclosure activity
- Wage Garnishment
Further, the bankruptcy court will notify each of your creditors that you have filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
- Approximately 30 days after filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy: If you choose to retain certain assets,, you must either agree to reaffirm the debt and make payments on it or surrender the items. In some instances, the creditor will not require reaffirmation, and you can keep the item(s) and continue making payments without signing the agreement. Certain creditors can require reaffirmation, and the bankruptcy court must approve this agreement.
- Approximately six weeks after filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy: At this point in the bankruptcy process, you will need to attend a short “meeting of creditors.”. Your bankruptcy trustee will review your finances and ensure your paperwork has been filed correctly. Your creditors will also each have the opportunity to ask you questions, though most will not even show up. Within 30 days of the meeting, creditors may raise objections to the discharge of any debt you owe. This usually does not happen.
- Within five or six months of filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy: Your attorney will handle most of the legal proceedings associated with filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, while you await a final discharge from the courts. Once your debts have been discharged, you no longer have to pay back creditors named in the bankruptcy filing that were discharged. You can now begin the process of effectively managing your finances once again and rebuilding new positive creditor relationships.
Contact one of the Best Debt Relief Attorneys for a Free Consultation
To find out whether you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and more about the means test required, contact Sun Coast Law at (844) 330-2727.
We offer comprehensive and personalized debt relief solutions in compliance with U.S Bankruptcy Code.
Means Test
- Florida Bankruptcy Means Test: Eligibility and Requirements
- Steps To Determine Eligibility for Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
- Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
- Who Qualifies for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
- Debt to be Discharged
- My Assets and Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
- Additional Chapter 7 Benefits
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Florida
- Is Filing for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy the Best Choice For You?
- Why File for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
- How Chapter 13 Works
- The Chapter 13 Process
- Meeting Chapter 13 Qualifications
- Discover the Benefits of the Chapter 13 Repayment Plan
- Benefits of Chapter 13
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney
Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13
- Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13
- Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
- Will You Qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankrutpcy Timeline
- Chapter 13 Bankrutpcy Timeline
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Florida - What will happen?
- Chapter 13 Timeline
- Changes During the Three to Five-year Repayment Period
- What if I have filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy before?
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Florida
- Is Filing for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy the Best Choice For You?
- Why File for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
- How Chapter 13 Works
- The Chapter 13 Process
- Meeting Chapter 13 Qualifications
- Discover the Benefits of the Chapter 13 Repayment Plan
- Benefits of Chapter 13
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney
If you need to find a solution, contact a member of our team. SunCoast Law can help! We offer free initial consultations to all of our clients and would be happy to meet with you one-on-one.
