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How Long After Filing for Bankruptcy Is the Next Step?

By Anna Assad

In both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, the first step after filing the petition and other documentation is the creditors' meeting. Whether the debtor is filing for debt elimination under Chapter 7 or a repayment plan under Chapter 13 affects how many days pass between filing and the creditors' meeting, at which debtors answer questions about their financial situations from their creditors and the court trustee.

Time Between Filing and Creditors' Meeting

The Chapter 7 creditors' meeting is held anywhere from 21 to 40 days after filing the case. The Chapter 13 meeting occurs 21 to 50 days after filing. Federal law allows up to 60 days to hold the creditors' meeting if it is held at a location without regular staffing of those with trustee duties. All petitioners must attend this meeting and answer questions honestly to proceed with the case. Those under Chapter 13 will also make a repayment plan proposal at this meeting.

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