Bankruptcy FAQs

What happens after I file a bankruptcy petition?

The bankruptcy court will mail to each of your creditors a "Notice of Commencement of Case", informing them that you have filed the petition and advising them of the date of the First Meeting of Creditors.

About 30 to 40 days after filing the bankruptcy petition, you will be required to attend a hearing presided over by a bankruptcy trustee. This hearing is called the First Meeting of Creditors. The trustee is not a judge, but an individual appointed by the United States Trustee to oversee bankruptcy cases. At the First Meeting of Creditors the trustee will ask you questions under oath regarding the content of your bankruptcy papers, your assets, debts and other aspects of your financial situation.

In an ordinary chapter 7 proceeding the Bankruptcy Court will automatically grant an Order of Discharge 60 to 75 days after the First Meeting of Creditors. In a chapter 13 proceeding, the Court will enter an order confirming your chapter 13 plan once you meet all the requirements. In a chapter 13 proceeding you receive your discharge upon completion of the chapter 13 plan.

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