When you are filing for bankruptcy in Arizona it is easy to get impatient – how long does bankruptcy take, really? For those eager to get a fresh start and put the past behind them, any amount of time can feel too long. It’s important to understand how long bankruptcy takes, so you can have realistic expectations and make plans for the future.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically follows a similar timeline in each case, taking about three to six months from filing to discharge.
As soon as you file your Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition, your creditors must stop collecting from or contacting you, so this is an important first step that can make a meaningful impact on your life.
A bankruptcy trustee will be assigned to your case, to ensure you are eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This trustee will schedule a meeting with the creditors listed in your petition, who will also have been served with a notice of your filing for bankruptcy in Arizona.
There are important paperwork items that must be filed on time during this process – financial schedules and a statement of intention are key, and have to be filed within the allotted time, so be sure to work closely with your bankruptcy attorney to ensure you are meeting all of the appropriate requirements.
A few weeks after your initial filing for bankruptcy in Arizona you will have a meeting with your creditors and the trustee. Following this, creditors have an opportunity to object to discharge of debts.
You must also complete a financial education course – talk to your lawyer about finding a program.
If all goes well, and you meet all of the requirements with the help of your bankruptcy attorney, your Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing should be complete, without issues. If this is the case, you can expect a discharge to happen quickly, giving you the clean slate you need to start over. You will see the effects of filing for bankruptcy in Arizona on your credit for several years, but if you have no other options, this is a good way to start anew, even if you have to wait out the long-term effects.
If at any point you are worrying about the speed of your filing going through, don’t hesitate to talk to your lawyer.
Disclaimer
This blog is intended as a general discussion of legal issues and not as a statement of fact, legal advice or a legal opinion. No attorney-client relationship is created by this blog. Do not act or rely upon law-related information in this communication without seeking the advice of an attorney licensed to practice in the relevant area.