For Chapter 7s, once the filing is made, an automatic stay prevents further collection activity against you, with a few exceptions, such as child support proceedings. You will have a Creditors Meeting the following month, and you will get your discharge within three months of the creditors meeting. For Chapter 13s you will have a creditors' meeting and a plan confirmation meeting. Once your plan is confirmed, you will be required to make monthly payments to the Chapter 13 trustee for a minimum of three years, maximum five years, and receive your discharge upon completion of your payments.


For either chapter 7 and chapter 13 you will have to get a second certificate — known as a financial education or debtor education certificate — from one of the court approved credit counseling companies proving you took a class (online, by phone, or in person). We will file that certificate with the Court for you.