Bankruptcy feels a lot less stressful once you know what to expect. Here is the typical timeline of a Chapter 7 case for an Orange County resident. Cases are filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, and most Orange County cases are handled by the Santa Ana Division.
Step 1: Free Consultation and Gathering Documents
We review your income, debts, property and goals, and confirm whether Chapter 7 is the right fit. You will gather pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements and a list of your debts. Pulling a free credit report is a good way to find creditors you may have forgotten.
Step 2: Credit Counseling Course
Within 180 days before filing, you must complete a credit counseling course from an approved provider. It can be done online or by phone and usually takes about an hour.
Step 3: Filing the Petition
We prepare and electronically file your petition and schedules. The automatic stay begins immediately, so garnishments, lawsuits and collection calls must stop.
Step 4: Meeting of Creditors (About 30 to 45 Days After Filing)
The “341 meeting” is usually short and is often held by video. You answer questions under oath from the Chapter 7 trustee about your paperwork. Creditors rarely attend. We prepare you ahead of time and attend with you.
Step 5: Financial Management Course
After filing, you complete a second short course on personal finances. The court will not grant your discharge without it.
Step 6: Discharge (About 60 Days After the Meeting)
If no one objects, the court enters your discharge order, which permanently wipes out your dischargeable debts. For most people, the whole process takes about four months from filing.
Life After Bankruptcy
After discharge, you can begin rebuilding credit right away, for example with a secured credit card paid in full each month. Many clients qualify for a car loan within a year and a mortgage within a few years.
Talk to an Orange County Bankruptcy Attorney
Every situation is different, and the right choice depends on your income, your property and your goals. Call Madaen Law at (714) 782-7275 or send us a message for a free consultation. We help clients throughout Orange County, Los Angeles County and San Diego County.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this article, or contacting us through this website, does not create an attorney client relationship. Bankruptcy laws, exemption amounts and court procedures change over time, and the right approach depends on the specific facts of your situation. Please consult a licensed attorney before making any decision about your case.
This website may be considered attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Law Office of Madaen, Bahram Madaen, Attorney at Law, licensed in California.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
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