What is the process after the petition is filed and how much time does the bankruptcy process take?
A. In a Chapter 7 case, the First Meeting of Creditors takes place about five to six weeks after the petition is filed. If all goes well and there are no contests or adversary actions filed, the discharge takes effect about five to six months from the date the petition is filed. In a Chapter 13 the discharge takes place after the Plan is completed, which is generally between 3 to 5 years after the filing of the petition. In any event after a bankruptcy is filed and prior to the discharge, the automatic stay is in effect preventing most creditor activity.
