Typically, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case takes about four to six months from filing to discharge, although the duration may vary based on various factors. The process involves stages such as the pre-filing stage, filing the petition, the meeting of creditors, the liquidation process, and the discharge of debts.

The Chapter 7 bankruptcy process has many steps. Your obligation includes gathering information required by the court and the trustee, taking a credit counseling course, paying a filing fee, which sets the court process in motion, attending a “meeting with creditors,” and more. The judge could discharge your debt once all that happens.

Once you've filed you Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, you must do all of the following: Pay the court filing fee or apply for a fee waiver Submit your last federal income tax return to their bankruptcy trustee Attend your meeting of creditors Complete the second bankruptcy course, called debtor education or financial management