Steps in a Bankruptcy Case
Steps in a Bankruptcy Case
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How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 "discharges" or erases qualifying debt without you directly repaying creditors. Instead, the bankruptcy trustee sells unneeded luxury property and uses the funds to repay creditors. Learn more about the process.
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Steps in a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Case
Learn about the Chapter 13 process, which begins with filing initial paperwork and continues until the completion of the three- to five-year repayment plan, at which point the court "discharges" or eliminates qualifying debt balances.
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Chapter 20 Bankruptcy: Filing Chapter 7 Before Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 20 refers to the practice of filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy right after receiving a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge. Find out why you might want to file for Chapter 20, as well as why you might want to avoid it altogether.
Procedures in a Bankruptcy Case
Procedures in a Bankruptcy Case
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The Bankruptcy Notice to Creditors: What Happens Next?
When you file for bankruptcy relief, the court sends notice of your case to all creditors listed on your petition. Find out what happens when creditors receive notice of your bankruptcy and when you might want to provide notice yourself.
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What Happens If a Bankruptcy Debtor Dies?
Although a Chapter 7 case will likely continue to completion after the debtor's death, a different result is more likely in Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Find out why.
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What Is a Proof of Claim in Bankruptcy?
If a creditor wants to get paid in bankruptcy, it must file a proof of claim form with the court. Find out what to include in a proof of claim form and when to file it.
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The Chapter 13 Confirmation Hearing
Learn about the confirmation hearing in Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, including when it will occur, how repayment plan objections are handled, and what will happen if your plan isn't confirmed.
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Special Rules for Military Members in Bankruptcy
Find out how filing for bankruptcy could affect your ability to enlist in the military and how special rules could help you qualify for Chapter 7 if you are a disabled veteran or are on active military duty.
When Your Case Is Dismissed
When Your Case Is Dismissed
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What Happens If the Court Dismisses Your Bankruptcy With Prejudice?
A dismissal with prejudice can bar you from refiling your case or discharging your debts.
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What Happens When the Court Dismisses a Bankruptcy Case Without Prejudice?
Learn why a bankruptcy court might dismiss your case without prejudice and why you can file the case again, although you might lose some protection from the automatic stay.
Avoiding (Getting Rid of) Liens
Avoiding (Getting Rid of) Liens
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Releasing Liens in Bankruptcy: Lien Avoidance
You can eliminate or reduce the amount of some lien types in bankruptcy. Learn about qualifications and bankruptcy procedures.
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The Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy
The automatic stay in bankruptcy requires most creditors to stop all collection efforts against the debtor.
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When Can a Creditor Lift (Get Rid Of) the Automatic Stay?
Bankruptcy's automatic stay stops most collection actions but isn't absolute. A creditor can ask a bankruptcy judge to remove the automatic stay to allow foreclosure, repossession, eviction, or the continuance of a state court fraud trial.
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Will Creditors Show Up to My Meeting of Creditors?
In most cases, creditors rarely appear at the meeting of creditors.
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The Bankruptcy Trustee and the U.S. Trustee
The U.S. Trustee Program oversees the bankruptcy trustee appointed to your case and more. Learn about the differing responsibilities of the bankruptcy trustee and the U.S. Trustee.
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What Does The Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee Do?
The Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee verifies financial disclosures, checks for unlisted property, asks questions at the 341 creditors meeting, sells assets the debtor can't protect, and more.
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What Does The Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Trustee Do?
Find out what the Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustees do, how they get paid, how they administer your repayment plan, and more.
