The average time to completion is four to six months. You begin the process by giving the bankruptcy court a petition that lists your debts, assets, and the information on your creditors. A meeting with a bankruptcy trustee will follow shortly after the petition is filed.

How long does bankruptcy affect your credit?

Since your credit score is based on the information listed on your credit reports, the bankruptcy will impact your score until it is removed. This means a Chapter 7 bankruptcy will impact your score for up to 10 years while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will impact your score for up to seven years.

When do I have to pay my bankruptcy lawyer?

If you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you might need to come up with a portion of your attorney fees upfront. But you can typically pay the remainder of your fees through your repayment plan after your case is filed.

How long does it take to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

In a Chapter 7, filing to discharge is about four months; in Chapter 13 it’s three to five years. But, too often, the real gating issue is getting ready to file. How long will it take you to get your attorney all the needed information.

How are attorney fees paid in a chapter 13 bankruptcy?

If you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you might need to come up with a portion of your attorney fees upfront. But you can typically pay the remainder of your fees through your repayment plan after your case is filed. (To learn more about how a Chapter 13 plan works, see our topic area on The Chapter 13 Repayment Plan .)

How long does it take for a chapter 13 bankruptcy to be discharged?

Getting a discharge in a Chapter 13 case generally takes between six and eight weeks after making your plan’s final payment. This time frame depends upon the court’s caseload — the busier the court, the longer you may have to wait for your discharge letter.