what happens after the lawyer electronically files my bankruptcy

by Jodie Borer Jr. 5 min read

In Washington State, all bankruptcy attorneys must file cases online using the courts Electronic Case Filing System. Once the case is filed, the clerk of court will review the documents that were filed in your case and make sure you have filed all of your required documents.

After submitting your petition, you will receive an email confirming the electronic receipt of the bankruptcy petition submitted to the Court. The bankruptcy petition will NOT be officially filed until you receive a Notice of Bankruptcy Case Filing from the court with a case number.

Full Answer

What happens after I file for bankruptcy?

Once you file and the automatic stay takes effect, your creditors are not allowed to take collection action against you. After you file for bankruptcy protection, your creditors can't call you, or try to collect payment from you for medical bills, credit card debts, personal loans, unsecured debts, or other types of debt.

What happens to my case number when filing bankruptcy?

When the papers are filed with the court, the court assigns a case number. This is an important number to you because you will want to give it to any creditors that may call. When you tell creditors that you are going to file for bankruptcy, they will usually leave you alone,...

Do I need an attorney to file bankruptcy?

Speak to a Bankruptcy Attorney Bankruptcy gives you a fresh start. But you need to have extensive knowledge of the bankruptcy laws and procedures if you are thinking of filing your bankruptcy petition without an attorney.

Where does my bankruptcy attorney file my Documents?

After you have reviewed and signed your bankruptcy petition and supporting schedules your bankruptcy attorney will file your documents with the local bankruptcy court in the jurisdiction in which you reside. In Washington State, all bankruptcy attorneys must file cases online using the courts Electronic Case Filing System.

What automatically happens when a bankruptcy petition is filed?

The automatic stay means that a creditor cannot call you, send you collection letters, file a lawsuit, or otherwise attempt to collect its debt from you.

What are the next steps after filing for bankruptcy?

As soon as you file for bankruptcy, a trustee will be assigned to your case. The trustee is responsible for managing your bankruptcy estate. The trustee will also oversee the process of selling your non-exempt assets and distributing the proceeds to creditors.

What happens when company files chapter11?

A case filed under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code is frequently referred to as a "reorganization" bankruptcy. Usually, the debtor remains “in possession,” has the powers and duties of a trustee, may continue to operate its business, and may, with court approval, borrow new money.

How long does it take from start to finish on Chapter 7?

four to six monthsA Chapter 7 bankruptcy can take four to six months to do, from the time you file to when you receive a final discharge – meaning you no longer have to repay your debt. Various factors shape how long it takes to complete your bankruptcy case.

What is the average credit score after Chapter 7?

The average credit score after bankruptcy is about 530, based on VantageScore data. In general, bankruptcy can cause a person's credit score to drop between 150 points and 240 points. You can check out WalletHub's credit score simulator to get a better idea of how much your score will change due to bankruptcy.

Can creditors collect after Chapter 7 is filed?

Debt collectors cannot try to collect on debts that were discharged in bankruptcy. Also, if you file for bankruptcy, debt collectors are not allowed to continue collection activities while the bankruptcy case is pending in court.

Does the trustee monitor your bank account?

While your trustee will most likely periodically check all of your financial accounts such as your bank accounts, in order to ensure that you have enough money to continue making your bankruptcy payments, they are not permitted to touch any of your funds, other than the funds which are allocated for your secured loan ...

What happens if your income increases during Chapter 7?

An Increase in Income During Chapter 7 The bankruptcy trustee will eliminate most if not all of your debts, and possibly sell some of your assets to pay debts. This process is appropriate if you have an income but cannot cover all of your necessary expenses or can pay the basics, yet not pay down your debts.

How much will credit score increase after Chapter 7 falls off?

How Much Will Your Credit Score Increase After Chapter 7 Falls Off Your Credit Report? When a chapter 7 falls off your report, you can expect a boost of around 50–150 points on your credit score.

How long does it take to pay bankruptcy fees?

The entire fee is due within 120 days after filing. If the bankruptcy court approves your application, it will grant an Order Approving Payment of Filing Fee in Installments. Your installment payment due dates will be in that order. You must pay all installments on time or your case is at risk of being dismissed.

How long does a Chapter 13 bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

A completed Chapter 13 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 7 years after the filing date, or 10 years if the case was not completed to discharge . As a result, filing bankruptcy will initially lower your credit score. How much your credit score will drop depends on how high or low it was before bankruptcy.

What happens when you file Chapter 7?

As soon as you file your Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you are given a case number and a bankruptcy trustee is assigned to your case. The bankruptcy trustee will oversee your bankruptcy filing, will review your bankruptcy forms, and may ask for additional documents to verify your information.

What is the term for protection from creditors after bankruptcy?

Protection from your creditors begins immediately after filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. This is called the automatic stay. Once you file and the automatic stay takes effect, your creditors are not allowed to take collection action against you.

How long does it take to pay Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

You can ask to make four installment payments. The entire fee is due within 120 days after filing.

What is the form that you file for bankruptcy?

One of the forms you will file with the bankruptcy court is called the Statement of Intention. In this form, you tell the court what you plan to do with property that is securing a debt you owe, like real estate or a vehicle.

How many points can you get from bankruptcy?

Generally, a decrease between 100 to 200 points can be expected. The good news is that you can begin rebuilding your credit as soon as your bankruptcy discharge is entered. It's possible to have a better score within 1–2 years of filing.

What Happens After Filing For Bankruptcy?

If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, you likely want to know what exactly happens once you do so. However if you want to know if filing for bankruptcy is a good idea and whether chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy makes the most sense, you should consult with a bankruptcy lawyer prior to filing your case.

So what happens after you have filed for bankruptcy?

After you have reviewed and signed your bankruptcy petition and supporting schedules your bankruptcy attorney will file your documents with the local bankruptcy court in the jurisdiction in which you reside. In Washington State, all bankruptcy attorneys must file cases online using the courts Electronic Case Filing System.

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What Does Bankruptcy Do?

Bankruptcy is a legal way for people who are deeply in debt to get back on their feet. It’s handled by a court. A judge and court trustee review the assets of the person who is filing, as well as what they owe and to whom.

Your Credit Score

If you’re filing bankruptcy, you likely don’t have a great credit score or credit report. In the short term, bankruptcy won’t change that.

Bankruptcy, Trustees & Protection from Creditors

Two things happen immediately once you file for bankruptcy: you’re assigned a trustee, and actions by creditors against you immediately (though temporarily in some cases) stop.

Paying Your Filing Fees

When you file for bankruptcy, you have to pay a bankruptcy fee. The court is pretty strict about it. While it varies by state, it’s usually around $300 and you’re expected to pay it immediately. The judge may allow you to pay it in installments if you can’t come up with the money right away.

Meeting of Creditors

The meeting of creditors, also known as a 341 hearing, may sound daunting, but it’s usually just a meeting between you and the trustee. Your creditors are invited, but they don’t usually attend. The daunting part is actually the preparation involved.

Debtor Education

The bankruptcy court is very invested in making sure that filing for bankruptcy doesn’t become a “get out of debt free” card that you make a habit of using. Before you file, you’re required to take a credit counseling course. Then, after the meeting of creditors, you have 60 days to take a debtor education class.

Effects on Property

If you file Chapter 13 bankruptcy and follow the repayment plan, and keep making your house and car payments, you keep your property.

How long does bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

Bankruptcy will stay on your credit for 10 years if you filed for Chapter 7 and seven years if it is a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

How to avoid bankruptcy?

Staying current on your bills. Getting a new credit card or a secured credit card. Trying not to borrow more than you can repay. Keep in mind that filing for bankruptcy might do more to help your credit than harm it. Consider what will happen if you continue to hold the debt and miss payments.

What do you need to do before filing for bankruptcy?

After you file for bankruptcy, you will need to take another course that can help you after your debts are discharged through the bankruptcy process . It is only after you complete these courses that the bankruptcy judge will give you a debt discharge.

What is a trustee in bankruptcy?

Once you file, a bankruptcy trustee will be assigned to your case. This trustee will be in charge of administering your bankruptcy filing. In general, the trustee will either: Oversee the liquidation of assets in a Chapter 7 case, or. Oversee the repayment of debts in a Chapter 13 case.

What happens if you file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?

In both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, you will get a discharge order from the bankruptcy court. This order stops creditors from taking any collection actions against you in the future.

How long does it take to file for bankruptcy in Chapter 7?

From Chapter 7 to another Chapter 7: Eight Years. From Chapter 13 to another Chapter 13: Two years. From Chapter 7 to Chapter 13: Four Years. From Chapter 13 to Chapter 7: Six Years. If you don't qualify for another bankruptcy or you simply don't want to file again, you also have other options to becoming debt-free.

What do you have to do with Chapter 13?

With Chapter 13, you must follow your repayment plan and pay off your debts within the specified time to get debt relief. You also have to pay non-dischargeable debts like child support and alimony in full.