What to expect — Chapter 7 timeline

A typical Chapter 7 case takes 90–120 days from filing to discharge. Here is the full sequence in plain English.

1. 1

   Free 30-minute consultation

   Day 0

   You tell Eugenio what is going on. He listens, asks a few questions, and tells you honestly whether bankruptcy is your best move. No pressure to retain — many people leave the call clearer but not ready, and that is fine.

2. 2

   Gather documents

   Week 1–2

   Use our document checklist to pull together pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and your debt list. Most clients have everything in under a week. We help fill any gaps.

3. 3

   Sign engagement + complete intake

   Week 2–3

   You sign the engagement letter and we finalize your intake — exact numbers, household members, recent transfers. This is also when we run the official means test (Form 122A).

4. 4

   Credit counseling course

   Before filing

   Federal law requires a short credit counseling course (about 60–90 minutes) from an approved provider before we can file. We give you a list of providers — most clients do it online for under $20.

5. 5

   We file your petition

   Day of filing

   The moment we file, the automatic stay kicks in. Creditor calls stop. Wage garnishments stop. Lawsuits pause. You get a case number that day.

6. 6

   Mailing list goes out

   Within 1 week of filing

   The court automatically mails notice of your case to every creditor we listed. From this point, any collection contact violates federal law and we want to know about it.

7. 7

   341 meeting of creditors

   ~30–45 days after filing

   A short hearing with the trustee — usually under 10 minutes. The trustee asks routine questions to confirm what's in your paperwork. Eugenio is with you the entire time. Creditors rarely show up; when they do, Eugenio handles them.

8. 8

   Debtor education course

   After the 341, before discharge

   A second short course (financial management, about 90 minutes) is required before the court enters your discharge. Most clients complete it in one sitting online for under $20.

9. 9

   Discharge order

   ~60 days after the 341

   The court enters your discharge order — your qualifying unsecured debts are legally erased. You are no longer on the hook for them. We send you the discharge order for your records.