Usually there are no court appearances in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Once your case is filed, you will have to appear at a meeting with your court appointed trustee. An attorney from our office will be there with you to guide you through the meeting. The meeting is referred to as a Section 341 meeting (or a Meeting of Creditors) and is very quick and informal, taking place approximately five weeks after your case is filed. You generally will receive your Discharge Papers three months after that meeting.

Every bankruptcy case is different but there are a few things that you should avoid doing under any circumstances:

• Do not make any more charges or take cash advances on any of your credit cards
  
• Do not make any property transfers
  
• Do not pay debts owed to your family or friends or choose to pay off 1 particular debt, as this is called a “preference.” The Judge could force the money to be paid to to the Trustee for the benefit of your creditors.
  

If you are interested in speaking to one of our Chicago Chapter 7 Bankruptcy attorneys regarding your financial situation, please call us for a FREE, confidential consultation at (312) 360-0500.