This overview of the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy process is general in nature, and each case may vary slightly. If you are considering filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, attorney Darcel Lobo offers a free initial consultation to help you evaluate your options, and determine if Chapter 7 Bankruptcy may be the best option for you.
At the free initial consultation, we will discuss your concerns, and help you decide if bankruptcy is the right option for you. If it is, you will be provided with a bankruptcy packet, which contains information that we need to prepare the actual bankruptcy petition which will be filed with the Court. In addition to completing the bankruptcy packet, you will also need to complete a credit counseling course, which may be completed online or over the phone, at your convenience. The course takes about an hour to complete.
Once we have prepared the bankruptcy petition, you will meet with the attorney to review and sign the documents. We will review these together and once you have signed them, the case can be filed.
Once your case is filed, you immediately receive protection from the Bankruptcy Court, known as an “Automatic Stay.” This protection will stop all collection activity: the phone calls, any lawsuits, garnishments, and/or foreclosures.
Approximately 30 days after your case is filed, there will be one court hearing to attend. The attorney will be there will you at the hearing. The hearing is held by the Bankruptcy Trustee, whose job it is to verify the information filed with the Court by asking you 8-10 routine questions. The hearings usually do not last for more than five minutes.
After the hearing is completed, there is a 60 day waiting period. During this time, you will need to complete a second credit counseling course. Just as with the first course, this second course may be completed over the phone or online, and also takes only about an hour to complete.
Once the 60 days have lapsed, you will obtain your discharge order from the Bankruptcy Court. Our office will receive an electronic copy, and a hard copy will be mailed to you. The bankruptcy is complete, and you can move forward knowing that the debt is behind you.
Our office provides free consultations for potential clients who are considering bankruptcy. Give our office a call at 206-408-1688, or free to email attorney Darcel Lobo. We look forward to being able to help you.
We are so pleased to announce that Darcel Lobo, the owner and attorney at DAL Law Firm, has created Your Planning Coach, a financial coaching business to help people after their bankruptcy discharge. If you’d like help getting started with planning your finances after bankruptcy, here is a great guide you can use: Budget After Bankruptcy Guide.