The time frame of your bankruptcy can vary.

If you qualify for, and file a typical Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in California, the whole process will usually take about 90 days.  After your petition is filed, you will have your 341 Meeting of Creditors scheduled around 30 days later.  Once the 341 Meeting is held, it’s generally 60 days, and then the petition is signed by the judge.  During that time, you’ll have to complete your pre-discharge debtor education class, which must be done within 60 days of your 341 Meeting.  After the your petition is signed, whatever unsecured debt is included in your petition is discharged, and any other conditions as part of your Chapter 7 Bankruptcy are ordered.  At this point, you’re done.

If you are filing a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in California, because there is a repayment plan, the process is somewhat longer.  You’ll still have your 341 Meeting of Creditors approximately 30 days after filing your petition, but the discharge doesn’t happen until you complete the plan.  There will be no discharge until you successfully make the required plan payments for the necessary period of time, typically between 3 to 5 years.  During this time, you’ll be making the payments to a Trustee on a monthly basis. After your time elapses, with all the necessary payments being made, the bankruptcy judge is able to sign the order.  Again, however, you’ll be required to take the pre-discharge debtor education class, but this time you’ll have until your final payment is made, rather then just 60 days.

If you have questions about filing for bankruptcy in California, contact our San Francisco bankruptcy law firm today.

California Bankruptcy information provided by San Francisco Bankruptcy lawyer Mark Chernev.

The Chernev Firm, 601 Montgomery Street, Ste. 1150, San Francisco, CA 94111