A step-by-step visual guide to Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, from the moment you file through discharge and case closure.
Note: These are typical timelines. Your case may vary depending on your district, the complexity of your assets, creditor objections, and other factors. This is not legal advice — consult a licensed attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
The moment your bankruptcy petition is filed with the court, the automatic stay takes effect. All collection calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, repossessions, and foreclosures must stop immediately. No separate motion is needed — it is automatic under federal law.
11 U.S.C. § 362
Days 1 – 14
Creditors Notified & Trustee Assigned
The court assigns a Chapter 7 trustee to your case and sends official notice to all listed creditors. The trustee's job is to review your assets and determine whether any non-exempt property can be sold to pay creditors. In most consumer cases, there are no assets to liquidate (called a "no-asset" case).
11 U.S.C. § 341 • Fed. R. Bankr. P. 2002
Days 21 – 40
341 Meeting of Creditors
You appear (often by phone or video) for the 341 meeting. The trustee asks questions under oath about your finances, assets, income, and the accuracy of your petition. Creditors may attend and ask questions, but they rarely do. The meeting typically lasts 5 to 15 minutes.
11 U.S.C. § 341(a)
Days 30 – 60
Creditor Objection Deadline
Creditors have 60 days after the first date set for the 341 meeting to file objections to your discharge. Common objections include allegations of fraud, concealed assets, or debts that the creditor argues should not be discharged. If no objections are filed, your case moves toward discharge.
Fed. R. Bankr. P. 4004(a)
Days 60 – 90
Trustee Completes Review
The trustee finishes reviewing your case. In a no-asset case, the trustee files a report of no distribution. If there are non-exempt assets, the trustee liquidates them and distributes proceeds to creditors according to the priority rules in the Bankruptcy Code.
Days 90 – 120
Discharge Entered
The court enters a discharge order, permanently eliminating your personal liability for most unsecured debts — credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and other qualifying obligations. Certain debts survive bankruptcy, including most student loans, child support, alimony, and recent tax debts.
11 U.S.C. § 727
Day 120+
Case Closed
After discharge is entered and all administrative matters are resolved, the court closes the case. Your bankruptcy will appear on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date, but many people begin rebuilding credit immediately. The automatic stay ends when the case is closed.
Repeat filer? If you received a Chapter 7 discharge within the past 8 years, you may not be eligible for another Chapter 7 discharge under Section 727(a)(8). Use the discharge bar checker or time calculator to find out.
Chapter 13 at a Glance
Total duration3 – 5 years
Monthly paymentsYes — to Chapter 13 trustee
ResultRemaining qualifying debts discharged after plan
Key advantageKeep property, catch up on mortgage/car payments
Day 0
Petition Filed — Automatic Stay Begins
Your Chapter 13 petition is filed and the automatic stay takes effect immediately. Collection actions, foreclosures, repossessions, and garnishments must stop. You must begin making plan payments to the trustee within 30 days of filing, even before the plan is confirmed.
11 U.S.C. § 362 • 11 U.S.C. § 1326(a)(1)
Days 21 – 40
341 Meeting of Creditors
The 341 meeting works the same as in Chapter 7. The Chapter 13 trustee reviews your petition, income, and proposed repayment plan. Creditors can attend and ask questions. The trustee may request additional documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, or bank statements.
11 U.S.C. § 341(a)
Days 45 – 90
Plan Confirmation Hearing
The court holds a hearing to decide whether to confirm (approve) your proposed repayment plan. The trustee and creditors may object if the plan does not meet legal requirements — for example, if it does not pay priority debts in full, or if the payment amount does not reflect your disposable income. Your attorney may need to modify the plan before confirmation.
11 U.S.C. § 1325
Day 90+
Plan Confirmed
Once confirmed, the plan becomes binding on you, the trustee, and all creditors. You continue making monthly payments to the trustee, who distributes the funds to your creditors according to the plan. The plan length is typically 36 months (below-median income) or 60 months (above-median income).
11 U.S.C. § 1327
Years 1 – 3 (or 1 – 5)
Monthly Payments to Trustee
This is the longest phase. You make regular monthly payments to the Chapter 13 trustee for the full duration of your plan. The trustee pays your creditors — secured creditors (mortgage, car loans) first, then priority debts (taxes, support), then unsecured creditors with whatever remains. If your income changes significantly, you may be able to modify the plan.
11 U.S.C. § 1326 • 11 U.S.C. § 1329
After Final Payment
Financial Management Course
Before receiving a discharge, you must complete an approved financial management course (sometimes called the "second course" or "debtor education"). This is separate from the pre-filing credit counseling. The course provider files a certificate with the court. Most courses take about 2 hours and cost $10 – $50.
11 U.S.C. § 1328(g)
After Course Completion
Discharge Entered
The court enters a discharge order eliminating your remaining qualifying unsecured debts. Chapter 13 discharge covers some debts that Chapter 7 does not (this broader protection is sometimes called the super discharge). The discharge is the legal finish line — the reason you filed in the first place.
11 U.S.C. § 1328(a)
Shortly After Discharge
Case Closed
The trustee files a final report and the court closes the case. Chapter 13 bankruptcy appears on your credit report for 7 years from the filing date (compared to 10 years for Chapter 7). Your debts are behind you.
Repeat filer? If you received a prior discharge, you may be barred from a Chapter 13 discharge under Section 1328(f): 4 years after a Ch.7/11/12 discharge, or 2 years after a prior Ch.13 discharge. Use the discharge bar checker to find out.
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13: Side by Side
DurationCh.7: 4–6 months • Ch.13: 3–5 years
Monthly paymentsCh.7: No • Ch.13: Yes
Keep propertyCh.7: Exempt only • Ch.13: Yes (while paying)