Clients often come to me and ask how long a Chapter 7 bankruptcy will take. The typical Chapter 7 case takes about four months. This includes everything from filing the bankruptcy petition to the bankruptcy discharge and case closing.

Keep reading for a list of reasons that Chapter 7 bankruptcy may take longer. The following list will give you an idea of why your Chapter 7 bankruptcy case may take longer. 

• More Information is Needed: There are times that the trustee may want more information. The trustee may reschedule the meeting, but that is often not the case. I will help you have all of the paperwork prepared to minimize this delay.
• You Delay Taking Your Personal Financial Management Course: You must complete a personal financial management course before your bankruptcy can be discharged. If the course is not completed on time, your case will close without a discharge. The case must be reopened by formal motion once the course is finished.
• There is a Challenge to the Dischargeability of Your Debt: A trustee or creditor can file paperwork with the bankruptcy court if it feels that the debt should not be wiped clean. This can add some time to your bankruptcy because the court may decide to have a hearing. I will help guide you through any hearing to make the process as smooth as possible.
• The Trustee or Creditor Challenges Property Exemptions: In some situations a trustee or creditor may challenge the exemption of a specific piece of property. If this happens, time will be added to your bankruptcy case.

Each case is different. Talk to a bankruptcy attorney today. As an experienced NJ bankruptcy lawyer I can help guide you through the process to make your Chapter 7 bankruptcy smooth proactively deal with any issues that might otherwise delay your case. There is life after bankruptcy and it starts here. Contact me today for a free consultation.