{"id":3082,"date":"2020-12-19T07:59:11","date_gmt":"2020-12-19T07:59:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/?p=3082"},"modified":"2023-04-28T06:19:41","modified_gmt":"2023-04-28T06:19:41","slug":"how-to-file-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/how-to-file-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy\/","title":{"rendered":"HOW TO FILE FOR CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most debtors who are dealing with debt file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy to seek debt relief. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as liquidation bankruptcy, allows a debtor to have most unsecured debts discharged after liquidating nonexempt property and assets to repay their creditors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re considering bankruptcy, it\u2019s important to understand how the <a href=\"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/chapter-7-bankruptcy\/\">Chapter 7 bankruptcy<\/a> process. An <\/span><b>experienced bankruptcy attorney<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can provide legal help in preparing your bankruptcy petition and while going through the bankruptcy proceeding.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Make_sure_you_qualify_for_Chapter_7_bankruptcy\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Make sure you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662961ce42946\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662961ce42946\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/how-to-file-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy\/#1_Make_sure_you_qualify_for_Chapter_7_bankruptcy\" title=\"1. Make sure you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.\">1. Make sure you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/how-to-file-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy\/#2_Evaluate_your_debts_and_check_for_property_exemption\" title=\"2. Evaluate your debts and check for property exemption.\">2. Evaluate your debts and check for property exemption.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/how-to-file-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy\/#3_Take_a_credit_counseling_course\" title=\"3. Take a credit counseling course.\">3. Take a credit counseling course.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/how-to-file-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy\/#4_Fill_out_and_file_your_bankruptcy_forms\" title=\"4. Fill out and file your bankruptcy forms.\">4. Fill out and file your bankruptcy forms.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/how-to-file-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy\/#5_Submit_paperwork_to_your_bankruptcy_trustee\" title=\"5. Submit paperwork to your bankruptcy trustee.\">5. Submit paperwork to your bankruptcy trustee.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/how-to-file-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy\/#6_Attend_the_meeting_of_creditors\" title=\"6. Attend the meeting of creditors.\">6. Attend the meeting of creditors.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/how-to-file-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy\/#7_Complete_a_debtor_education_course\" title=\"7. Complete a debtor education course.\">7. Complete a debtor education course.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/how-to-file-for-chapter-7-bankruptcy\/#8_Receive_your_bankruptcy_discharge\" title=\"8. Receive your bankruptcy discharge.\">8. Receive your bankruptcy discharge.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you decide to file for bankruptcy, you should first check if you qualify to file for <a href=\"\/chapter-7-bankruptcy-exemptions\/\">bankruptcy Chapter<\/a> 7. The <a class=\"linkilo_keyword_link  hyperlinks\" href=\"\/the-bankruptcy-means-test\/\"  rel=\"dofollow\" title=\"bankruptcy means test\" data-linkilo-keyword-link=\"linked\">bankruptcy means test<\/a> is used to determine if you\u2019re eligible to file bankruptcy by comparing your monthly income to the state median income. If your household income is less than the median, you pass the means test and are qualified to file Chapter 7.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If it exceeds the median, you might still be able to qualify for bankruptcy Chapter 7 if, after deducting allowable living expenses, your disposable income is not enough to pay back your debts in a <a class=\"linkilo_keyword_link  hyperlinks\" href=\"\/chapter-13-bankruptcy\/\"  rel=\"dofollow\" title=\"Chapter 13 bankruptcy\" data-linkilo-keyword-link=\"linked\">Chapter 13 bankruptcy<\/a> filing. Discuss your situation with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/bankruptcy-attorneys\/\"><b>local bankruptcy lawyer<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if you\u2019re unsure about your eligibility for Chapter 7.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Evaluate_your_debts_and_check_for_property_exemption\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Evaluate your debts and check for property exemption.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After confirming your eligibility, the next step is to look at your unsecured and secured debts. You should prepare a list of your consumer debts, along with their creditor and the amounts owed, because you\u2019ll need to file these along with your petition in bankruptcy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should also gather the necessary paperwork for your assets and liabilities, which will also help you identify exempt property that you can protect under bankruptcy exemptions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Take_a_credit_counseling_course\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Take a credit counseling course.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bankruptcy code requires all bankruptcy filers to complete a credit counseling course before filing bankruptcy. You\u2019ll need to file your certificate of completion along with your bankruptcy petition. Make sure you take a course from an approved credit counseling agency.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Fill_out_and_file_your_bankruptcy_forms\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Fill out and file your bankruptcy forms.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-3084 \" src=\"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/File-for-Chapter-7-Bankruptcys-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy\" width=\"344\" height=\"229\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/File-for-Chapter-7-Bankruptcys-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/File-for-Chapter-7-Bankruptcys-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/File-for-Chapter-7-Bankruptcys-400x266.jpg 400w, https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/File-for-Chapter-7-Bankruptcys-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/File-for-Chapter-7-Bankruptcys.jpg 626w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 344px) 100vw, 344px\" \/>Once you\u2019ve gathered the paperwork for your bankruptcy case, the next step is filling out your bankruptcy petition. You\u2019ll need to provide information on your financial situation, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Current monthly income and living expenses;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Details of your secured and unsecured debt;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personal property and assets owned;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Property for bankruptcy protection; and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tax returns for the past two years.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After filling out the forms, file them to court and pay the appropriate filing fees. You can hire a bankruptcy petition preparer or a <\/span><b>bankruptcy attorney<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to ensure that your bankruptcy petition is accurate and complete and avoid having your bankruptcy case delayed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Submit_paperwork_to_your_bankruptcy_trustee\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Submit paperwork to your bankruptcy trustee.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After filing, a trustee will be assigned to your case to verify your bankruptcy information. You may be requested to send pay stubs, tax returns, and other additional documents. Make sure to respond to these requests and send the required paperwork to your trustee.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Attend_the_meeting_of_creditors\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Attend the meeting of creditors.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortly after, a meeting with creditors will be scheduled. In most cases, this is the only time you\u2019ll need to go to the bankruptcy court. During the meeting, you\u2019ll be sworn in and asked questions regarding the information you provided. Your lenders may also ask a question or raise objections.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure you or your<\/span><b> <a class=\"linkilo_keyword_link  hyperlinks\" href=\"\/federal-bankruptcy-exemption\/\"  rel=\"dofollow\" title=\"bankruptcy lawyer\" data-linkilo-keyword-link=\"linked\">bankruptcy lawyer<\/a><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> dispute any claims against you or eliminate certain liens before your case is closed so you won\u2019t have to reopen your case later on.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Complete_a_debtor_education_course\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Complete a debtor education course.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you can receive your discharge in bankruptcy, the United States Bankruptcy Code also requires you to take a post-filing course. As with the pre-filing course, the course should be taken from an approved provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Receive_your_bankruptcy_discharge\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Receive your bankruptcy discharge.<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After submitting your completion certificate, you\u2019ll receive your bankruptcy discharge which will eliminate your debts. You\u2019ll no longer be liable for discharged debts and you can get your financial fresh start.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Considering filing for bankruptcy? Having <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/\"><b>reliable bankruptcy attorneys<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by your side can make the bankruptcy proceeding smoother and help you be prepared for any issues that pop up along the way. At<\/span><b> Hammerschmidt Stickradt &amp; Associates<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, we can provide you with the legal assistance you need to get <a class=\"linkilo_keyword_link  hyperlinks\" href=\"\/bankruptcy-attorneys\/when-to-file-bankruptcy\/\"  rel=\"dofollow\" title=\"debt relief\" data-linkilo-keyword-link=\"linked\">debt relief<\/a>. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Most debtors who are dealing with debt file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy to seek debt relief. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy, also known as liquidation bankruptcy, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":3083,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3082"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3082"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3082\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4129,"href":"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3082\/revisions\/4129"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3083"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3082"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3082"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hsapclaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3082"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}