Chapter 7 Timeline
| Phase | Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit counseling | 1 day | 60-90 minute course |
| Document gathering + forms | 1-4 weeks | Faster with attorney |
| Filing to 341 meeting | 20-40 days | Court sets the date |
| 341 meeting to discharge | ~60 days | If no objections |
| Case closing | ~90 days after filing | For no-asset cases |
| Total: filing to discharge | 3-4 months |
Chapter 13 Timeline
| Phase | Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit counseling | 1 day | Same as Chapter 7 |
| Document gathering + forms | 1-4 weeks | Plan proposal adds time |
| Filing to 341 meeting | 20-40 days | |
| Plan confirmation | 45-120 days after filing | Varies by district |
| Plan payments | 36-60 months | Below-median: 36 mo; above: 60 mo |
| Debtor education + discharge | After final payment | |
| Total: filing to discharge | 3-5 years |
What Can Delay the Timeline?
- Incomplete petition - Missing schedules or documents. The court gives 14 days to supplement.
- Creditor objections - Objections to exemptions or discharge can add months
- Trustee investigation - In asset cases, the trustee needs time to liquidate property
- Plan objections (Ch.13) - Creditor or trustee objections to the plan delay confirmation
- Missing debtor education certificate - Discharge cannot be entered without it
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Related Resources
Step by Step - Complete 10-step filing guide
341meeting.org - What to expect at the 341 meeting
Emergency Filing - When you cannot wait the normal timeline