Bankruptcy - Timeframe From Start to Finish

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a process whereby a debtor eliminates the majority of unsecured debt by filing a petition and appearing at a meeting of creditors. The entire process takes approximately 120 days and could require as little as one court appearance. The typical time-frame is as follows: 1) Filing of the petition with the clerk of the U.S. bankruptcy clerk. A notice is sent to all creditors, the debtor, the debtor's attorney and the panel trustee. 2) The 341 meeting of creditors is held approximately four to six weeks after the date of filing. 3) The debtor waits an additional 60 to 90 days until receiving a discharge order. The discharge may be delayed by the panel trustee.