The Bankruptcy Discharge

The typical Chapter 7 bankruptcy case lasts 90 days after filing the petition. The meeting of creditors is 30 days into the process, and if all goes well, a Discharge of Debtor certificate is issued approximately 60 days later. Once the discharge is issued, no creditor can attempt to collect on the discharged debt. The court can even issue fines to any creditor who violates the discharge. While certain debts like alimony, child support, student loans, and certain taxes are not dischargeable in bankruptcy, most other debts will be discharged with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition. Before the bankruptcy discharge is issued, however, the debtor must complete a second “education course”. The financial management course lasts 3 hours and can be taken by telephone or through the internet.