From the first step to your discharge order, here is exactly what happens and when -- for both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
Required within 180 days before filing. Takes about 1-2 hours online. Cost: $15-25.
Collect tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, bills, and property records. Your attorney prepares the petition and schedules.
Your bankruptcy petition is filed with the court. The automatic stay takes effect immediately.
Brief hearing (5-15 minutes) where the trustee asks questions under oath about your finances and assets.
Second required course (financial management). Takes about 2 hours online. Cost: $10-25.
Creditors have 60 days after the 341 meeting to object to discharge of specific debts under section 523 or to your overall discharge under section 727.
The court enters the discharge order, eliminating your qualifying debts. Your case is closed shortly after.
Same pre-filing requirement as Chapter 7. Must be completed within 180 days before filing.
Your attorney prepares the petition, schedules, and a proposed Chapter 13 repayment plan.
The petition and proposed plan are filed. The automatic stay takes effect immediately. Filing fee: $313.
You must begin making plan payments within 30 days of filing -- even before the plan is confirmed.
Similar to Chapter 7. The trustee reviews your income, expenses, and proposed plan.
The court holds a hearing to determine whether your plan meets legal requirements and should be approved.
You make monthly payments to the trustee for the duration of your plan (36-60 months).
Same second course required as in Chapter 7. Must be completed before discharge.
After completing all plan payments and the debtor education course, the court enters a Chapter 13 discharge.
Timing varies by case complexity, trustee caseload, and whether objections are filed. These are typical ranges, not guarantees.
| Milestone | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic stay takes effect | Day 1 | Day 1 |
| First plan payment due | N/A | Day 30 |
| 341 meeting | Day 21-40 | Day 21-50 |
| Plan confirmation | N/A | Day 60-120 |
| Objection deadline | 60 days after 341 | Varies |
| Discharge | ~90-120 days | 3-5 years |
| Case closed | ~4-6 months | After discharge |
A Chapter 7 case typically takes about 3-4 months from filing to discharge. The 341 meeting is scheduled about 21-40 days after filing, and discharge is entered approximately 60 days after the 341 meeting.
Chapter 13 requires completing a 3-5 year repayment plan. Below-median income debtors may qualify for a 3-year plan, while above-median income debtors must commit to 5 years. Total time from filing to discharge: 3-5.5 years.
The trustee asks questions under oath about your finances, assets, and bankruptcy schedules. Most meetings last 5-15 minutes. You must bring photo ID and your Social Security card. Full 341 meeting guide.
The automatic stay takes effect immediately when the petition is filed. There is no waiting period.
Within 180 days before filing (pre-filing credit counseling) and after filing but before discharge (debtor education course). Two separate courses are required.
In the Western District of Missouri, confirmation hearings are typically scheduled 2-4 months after filing. You begin making payments 30 days after filing, even before the plan is confirmed.
The statutory deadlines are the same, but local rules and administrative procedures differ. Each district has its own judges, trustees, and scheduling practices. The overall timeline is similar.