What Are the Key Deadlines During Your Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case?

TRI Writer • September 2, 2020

Are you considering filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy? Are you in the middle of your bankruptcy case, and you aren’t sure what to expect? Do you want to know more about the process before you decide bankruptcy is an option you’d like to consider more seriously? If so, you may want to start with a few critical deadlines that bankruptcy petitioners should know before they file.

Critical Deadlines During Your Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Case:

Before Filing: Within 180 days before filing, all Chapter 7 bankruptcy petitioners must complete a credit counseling course from an approved provider.

Day 1: File Bankruptcy Petitioner

Day 1-14: File certificate of completion for credit counseling class along with lists, schedules, statements, etc.

Day 13-33: Deadline to provide the bankruptcy trustee with tax returns (7 days before the first date set for the Meeting of the Creditors).

Day 20-30: Deadline to file statement of intention if not included with the original bankruptcy petition filing (30 days after filing or on or before the first date set for Meeting of Creditors, whichever is first).

Day 20-40: Meeting of the Creditors (sometimes called the Section 341 Meeting).

Day 50-70: Deadline to perform Statement of Intention (30 days after first date set for Meeting of the Creditors).

Day 80-100: Deadline to complete financial management course (60 days after first date set for Meeting of the Creditors).

Day 80-100: Reaffirmation agreements (up to 60 days after first date set for Meeting of the Creditors.

Day 90-100: Discharge of debt typically granted during this time frame.

Working with an Established Tennessee & Georgia Bankruptcy Attorney:

When working with an established bankruptcy attorney, most bankruptcy petitioners don’t need to worry about most of the deadlines above since their attorney ensures all deadlines are met during the process. As the petitioner, you will need to be completely transparent with your bankruptcy attorney. Your attorney needs all the necessary information for your case since they handle the majority of the process on your behalf.

What Parts of the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Process Does the Petitioner Have to Handle?

The only parts of the Chapter 7 bankruptcy process that your attorney cannot handle for you are:

  • Completing the mandatory pre-bankruptcy credit counseling class.
  • Appearing at the Meeting of the Creditors (your lawyer goes with you, but you need to attend).
  • Completing the second credit counseling class.
  • Receiving your discharge of debt (this is mailed directly to you at the address listed in your court documents).

Since your bankruptcy attorney manages such a significant part of the bankruptcy process for you, you must be completely transparent and thorough when providing them with your information. It’s equally vital that you be accessible and respond to your attorney’s requests for additional or further information promptly. Inaccurate information or failing to provide additional information upon request could significantly delay your case or even result in a dismissal.

If you have questions about filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy , please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Most bankruptcy offices in the Chattanooga area don’t have a single Consumer Bankruptcy Specialist on staff. Our office is the only one with two. You are in good hands with Kenneth C. Rannick P.C.

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