Each case is unique, and you must get the full and accurate road map from the attorney, but a typical case will involve many, if not all, of the following steps:

1. Consultations: The two meeting consult process.

2. Signing/Filing: We meet to sign the documents. Our office files the documents with the Court, and the bankruptcy begins. When a bankruptcy begins, creditor collection efforts must cease.  Typically, creditor phone calls end when you hire an attorney, but the law requires all contact to cease with the filing.

3. Trustee Meeting (Section 341 First Meeting of Creditors): About 30-45 days later, we meet with the bankruptcy trustee.  This is not a court appearance.  Instead, in a normal consumer case, it is a very straightforward meeting with an attorney or accountant picked by the court to review the file.  In Chapter 7 cases, the meetings happen in courtrooms (Statesville and Shelby Divisions) or a meeting room (Charlotte Division), but, again, this is not court.  In Chapter 13 cases, the meeting occurs by video conference from our office.

4. In a typical consumer Chapter 7 case, the case concludes 60 days later (i.e., it is "discharged").

5. In a typical Chapter 13 case, the payments to the court begin 30 days after filing and continue until the case concludes.

6. With the entry of the Discharge, we assist you with the credit updating process.